Jared Goff and the Rams coach, Sean McVay were a popular duo in 2017, helping the Rams soar high in the NFL world. In the 2018 season, the team also made a Super Bowl appearance. But in the same season, the duo faced a significant setback, scoring just three points in a loss to the Patriots.
This marked the beginning of a two-year journey leading to the eventual separation of McVay and Goff in 2021. As they cross paths again in the playoffs, complex emotions will undoubtedly accompany the reunion.
What happened between Jared Goff and Sean McVay?
Jared Goff was traded to the Lions and the reason was to bring Matthew Stafford to the Rams. However, the reports suggested that this move wasn’t only an attempt to enhance the team’s performance but also because of a clash between Jared Goff and Sean McVay.
During the 2020 season, ESPN reported clashes between McVay and Goff. The reason for their deteriorating relationship was their different personalities.
McVay publicly criticized the QB’s performance, particularly his high turnover rate. He was dissatisfied with the QB’s performance and even talked about it in both private meetings and media sessions.
Jared Goff was facing challenges, marked by 13 interceptions in 15 games. He had his career’s worst 16 interceptions in 2019 and in 2020, his performance further declined. The team performed well in the regular season but lost to the Packers in the divisional round.
Following the playoff loss, both McVay and GM Les Snead declined to continue with Goff as the quarterback, and after a few months, the team finalized the deal with Matthew Stafford and Goff was traded.
Trade still bothers Jared Goff
Jared Goff, in an interview with ESPN, expressed that the impact of the trade will never leave him.
“Of course,” the QB told ESPN. “I think it’ll never leave me, and I think that’s a good thing.”
He openly discussed the differences that led to the awkward split with McVay, but despite this, he maintains a positive view of McVay as a “great coach.”
Sean McVay admitted to ESPN that mistakes were made in how he handled the conclusion of the QB’s time in Los Angeles.
“Could it have been handled better on my end? Absolutely,” he said. “And I’ll never run away from that.”
He acknowledged that Jared deserved better treatment during that period.
“He deserved better than the way that it all went down. I’ll acknowledge that,” McVay added. “And I think he knows that too. And I’m not afraid to admit to those things, but I think we’re all better being able to look back on those things. And I do have more appreciation for him as time goes on.”
Sean McVay expressed growing appreciation for Goff as time went on, indicating a recognition of Goff’s contributions and perhaps a reassessment of their professional relationship.
The upcoming playoff game intensifies the focus on the collective efforts of the Rams, Lions, and Stafford. However, the events of three years ago, including Goff’s trade and the dynamics between him and McVay, are likely to be on the minds of all involved during the game.
