Jared Goff: Loss to Commanders ‘Sucks,’ Lions ‘Were on the Top of the World’

Julia StumbaughJanuary 19, 2025

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff says he is feeling “a little bit numb” after being eliminated from the Divisional round Saturday night by the Washington Commanders.

“This is how I’m feeling, just a little bit numb, and yeah, trying to process it,” Goff said after the game (20:30 mark of the video below.) “And it sucks. And again, I’m so painfully disappointed and sorry to our fans. It sucks. This is as tough as it gets. And again, I know I’m rambling and repeating myself, but’s hard. It’s hard.”

Goff also told reporters that the Lions “were on the top of the world after that Minnesota game and it’s hard standing here right now and trying to process it all.” Goff added:

Just sucks. I wish I could’ve played a little better. Wish I could’ve taken care of the ball a little bit better. Obviously, the pick-six is really the one I’d really like back. That was just a poor decision by me. The other ones are just sometimes a part of the game. But yeah, it’s on me, I gotta take care of it better. Certainly, would’ve given ourselves a better chance to win had I done that.Goff threw three interceptions as the top-seeded Lions’ season ended with a 45-31 upset loss at home.

One of those interceptions turned into a Commanders touchdown when Washington safety Quan Martin ran the pick in 40 yards for a touchdown. The score marked Goff’s first pick-six of the season.

B/R Gridiron @brgridironPICK SIX!! COMMANDERS ARE MAKING A STATEMENT🤯

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/lEeVL7MYIT

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to turn to wide receiver Jameson Williams on a trick play when Detroit trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter. Williams was intercepted in what would be the fourth of the Lions’ five turnovers on the night.

Washington Commanders @CommandersTHAT’S 2 FOR @MikeSainristil❕

📺 #WASvsDET FOXpic.twitter.com/D8S9ddhdsi

Goff finished the game having gone 23-for-40 with 313 yards and a touchdown. He also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble.

His showing was particularly poor in comparison to rookie Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers to improve to a 2-0 playoff record in his early career.

Goff, who is in his ninth NFL season and fifth trip to the playoffs, will end the 2024 campaign with a 4-5 quarterback record through three playoff trips with the Los Angeles Rams and two in Detroit.

The Commanders have now advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the team’s run to Super Bowl XXVI following the 1991 season.

The Lions will meanwhile bow out despite earning 15 regular-season wins and entering the playoffs as a No. 1 seed with a first-round bye. After blowing a 24-7 first-half lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 NFC Championship Game, Detroit has now suffered two disappointingly early playoff exits in as many seasons.