In a post-game interview following the Detroit Lions' dramatic 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Jared Goff didn’t wait for anyone to ask—he made sure to take a moment to praise the heart and soul of his team: the defense. Unprompted, Goff took the spotlight off his own performance and shifted the attention to the defensive side of the ball, acknowledging their extraordinary effort despite several key players being sidelined.
Jared Goff’s Unwavering Support for the Defense
“I got to talk about the defense real quick,” Goff began, clearly eager to highlight the crucial role the defense played in securing the victory. He didn’t mince words as he praised the collective effort, especially given the short-handed nature of the defense during the game.
“What our defense did this week is tremendous,” Goff continued. “And I know the points – whatever, they had guys out there that got here on Sunday that were playing and doing a hell of a job.” Goff wasn’t focused on the number of points allowed but rather the resilience and heart his defensive teammates showed, fighting through adversity.
The Lions’ defense had to dig deep, especially considering some key players were out or limited during the game. Goff was quick to credit Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn, his staff, and the players themselves for stepping up in a big way.
“Credit (Defensive Coordinator) Aaron Glenn, credit that staff over there, and credit those freaking players for playing their tails off today,” Goff said, showing immense respect for the defensive unit’s performance.
A Defense That Never Gave Up
Goff’s admiration for his defensive teammates didn’t stop with just words of praise; he made it clear how important their performance was in the team’s success.
“They went out there, they let it hang and played hard ball, and made it hard on them – it was fun to watch,” Goff added, referring to how the defense made life difficult for the Packers’ offense, forcing them to work for every yard and every point.
For Goff, this wasn’t just a routine acknowledgment. It was a heartfelt recognition of how vital the defense was in this hard-fought win. The way they played with grit, determination, and heart was something that Goff couldn’t help but highlight, especially given the challenges they faced heading into the game.
A Team Effort in Every Sense
While the offense did its part, this win truly highlighted the importance of a total team effort. The defense’s ability to battle through adversity and show resilience allowed the Lions to control the game, despite some moments of back-and-forth scoring. Goff’s decision to highlight the defense was a reminder that the Lions’ success this season is a reflection of the combined effort from every unit on the field.
Jared Goff’s Leadership and Respect for His Team
Jared Goff’s praise for the defense is a testament to his leadership and his understanding of what makes the Lions a strong, unified team. His willingness to publicly acknowledge their performance, unprompted, speaks to the camaraderie that has developed within this team. The Lions continue to rise as one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, and Goff’s admiration for the defense only solidifies that Detroit is a team that thrives on mutual respect and effort across all positions.
As the Lions continue to push toward the playoffs, performances like this one—from both the offense and defense—will keep them a force to be reckoned with. With leaders like Jared Goff leading by example, the future looks bright for Detroit.
