Who saw a Jared Goff heel turn coming? The scrappy Detroit Lions have been one of the easier teams to root for lately with former New Orleans Saints assistant coaches Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn running the show, but Goff’s true colors as an ex-Los Angeles Rams quarterback came through in a recent podcast interview.
Speaking with “Pardon My Take” about the Lions’ 2023 season and his unsuccessful Rams run, Goff declined the opportunity to apologize to Saints fans for the 2018 NFC championship game no-call. Goff scoffed, “No, God no. They got the ball in overtime, they had a chance to win it.”
Thanks for reopening old wounds, Goff. The Saints’ final possession in the 2018 conference title game ended with a Drew Brees interception at midfield, setting up a 57-year field goal by Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein. Los Angeles embarrassed themselves in the Super Bowl matchup that followed, but the damage was done, and Goff isn’t taking the high road with New Orleans.
When asked whether he believed a penalty occurred during the play, Goff responded adamantly: “No, it wasn’t. Was it called pass interference? I’ve had a million pass interferences that weren’t called. Who says he makes the field goal, too? I know he’s automatic from (that distance), Lutz was, but I don’t know.”
That’s not what the player at fault here had to say. Former Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman bragged about how he got away with one in New Orleans, which brought a big smile to Goff’s face in recollection.
“I thought Robey’s response was fantastic after the game, when they asked him (if it was pass interference), he’s like ‘Yeah it was.’ I was like, ‘Robe, don’t say that, Robe,'” Goff laughed.
Goff will return to New Orleans for a game with the Saints in Week 13, and his presence — and these volatile comments — add a little more vitriol to a matchup already swarming with subplots. Dennis Allen versus Dan Campbell. Michael Thomas versus C.J. Gardner-Johnson. And Jared Goff versus everyone in the 504.
