The Lions were at rock bottom, tearing down before they could attempt a rebuild.
The new regime, led by general manager Brad Holmes, traded decidedly gifted, albeit enigmatic, quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams.
The big prize in return were two first-round draft picks, and a third. It was not Jared Goff. It was as if the Lions had to take Goff to make the salary cap numbers match. At least that was the perception.
And it looked really, really bad when Stafford immediately won a Super Bowl, while the Lions limped home at 3-13-1 with Goff in 2021.
But now, after winning 11 of 14 games following a rout of the Packers at Lambeau Field, the Lions are looking like they won the trade. Goff is turning out to be the ideal QB for the Lions.
He is thriving in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's uptempo passing game. It is based on timing and accuracy, and set up by a stellar offensive line leading a punishing running attack. Goff is at his best in play-action. His pocket presence has been excellent this season, poof that he's increasingly comfortable with the scheme.
Goff has thrown an interception in the last three games, and turnovers are what got him in hot water with the Rams. Yet, the Lions were due turnovers after an incredible streak, and other than the Seattle game, they have responded well.
Goff has a particular brand of poise. It has rubbed off on his teammates. He is an outstanding leader. In the process, a town that responded to the acquisition of Goff with apathy now trusts him.
The thing about Stafford, despite all his brilliance and despite being, like Goff, the consummate standup guy, he never quite garnered the trust Goff is accumulating. There was always a sense the other shoe was about to drop.
It's understood the Lions have won nothing tangible. They don't hand out hardware for a strong 14-game stretch over two seasons. As exhilarating as it may be, they are no trophy presentations, either, for winning at Lambeau Field.
But the Lions unquestionably play with passion, purpose and poise we haven't seen in decades.
There are a number of reasons for it.
But none more than Jared Goff.
He's been more than a bridge QB. He's been the key.
There is no way the Lions would have come this far, this quickly, without him.
