Coach says Good bye: Detroit lions Dan Campbell confirms retirement rumor……

Rams-Lions connections: More to this wild card game than the Stafford-Goff trade.quarterbacks Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford greet each other after a 2018 game. were traded for each other. They will meet again on Sunday in the NFC wild card game.

(Associated Press)It’s been more than seven decades since the Rams played the Detroit Lions in the teams’ only playoff game.In 1952, a Rams team featuring such stars as Norm Van Brocklin, Bob Waterfield and Tom Fears lost 31-21 to a Lions team led by Bobby Layne and Doak Walker.On Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit, the sixth-ranked Rams will play the third-ranked Lions in an NFC wild-card game between teams with multiple ties.

Some are obvious, others less so. Here’s a breakdown of the five:AdvertisementMatthew Stafford-Jared Goff CommercialThis is a rare blockbuster that worked well for both teams.In 2021, the Rams sent Goff, two first-round draft picks and a third-round pick to the Lions for Stafford.

The business immediately paid off for the Rams: Stafford led them to a 12-5 record, then planned a playoff run that included victories over the Arizona Cardinals, the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, before that, the San Francisco. 49ers. . The Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoF Stadium.

AdvertisementDetroitLions fans cheer during a game against the Green Bay Packers.The Rams know what they’re up against in Detroit, loud and clearJan 8, 2024Stafford has 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.

His game in the second half of the season added to his professional bowl selection.

Goff’s victory was gradual.In 2021, he defeated the Rams in his return to SoFi Stadium. Last season, he helped lead the Lions to a 9-8 record and made the Pro Bowl, replacing Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts.Advertisement That season, Goff had 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions when the Lions finished 12-5 and won the NFC North.Lions CEO Brad HolmesHolmes, 44, spent nearly two decades in the Rams’ scouting department before being hired by the Lions in 2021 as executive vice president and general manager.

Holmes has been the Rams’ director of college scouting since 2013. . until 2020. When he left to join the Lions, he hired Ray Agnew, the Rams’ director of pro scouting, as an assistant GM.AdvertisementLions general manager Brad Holmes, left, talks with quarterback Jared Goff after practice last July.Lions general manager Brad Holmes talks with quarterback Jared Goff after a preseason practice last July.

(Paul Sancya/Associated Press)Holmes broke down the Goff trade into several picks that brought in key Lion players such as cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu, quarterback Jameson Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive lineman Josh Paschal and tight end Sam LaPorta.

Lion receiver Josh ReynoldsThe Rams selected Rany Reynolds in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the same year they took the Cooper Cup in the third round.Kupp became the new starter along with Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins.

The 6-foot-3, 194-pound Reynolds spent three seasons in a rotational role after the Rams added tight end Brandin Cooks before the 2018 season.AdvertisementReynolds became the starter in 2020 and caught a career-high 52 passes for 618 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Rams selected Van Jefferson and decided not to re-sign Reynolds.Reynolds signed with the Tennessee Titans but opted out in November 2021 and was claimed by the Lions.

Amon-Ra St. Brown and LaPorta have been the top receivers this season, but Reynolds has 40 catches for 608 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 15.2 yards per catch.Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds goes for a pass as Broncos cornerback Fabian Moreau defends.Former Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who caught a pass when Broncos cornerback Fabian Moreau was covering, had 40 catches for 608 yards this season for the Lions.

(David Dermer/Associated Press)AdvertisementRams defensive backs coach Aubrey PleasantPleasant, a member of coach Sean McVay’s first staff, worked with the Rams for four seasons before being hired by first-year coach Dan Campbell with the Lions. staff in 2021.Through seven games of the 2022 season, the Lions have given up 265 yards per game. Pleasant was fired by Campbell.Pleasant spent the rest of the season as an offensive consultant with the Green Bay Packers before being rehired by McVay.

AdvertisementThis season, the Rams gave up 231.1 yards per game, which ranked 20th in the NFL. The Lions gave up 247.4 yards, which ranked 27th.Rams assistant coach Jimmy Lake was the Lions’ defensive backs coach in 2008.Lions defensive end Jake McQuaideMcQuaide , 36, played tight end and tight end for the Rams from 2011-2020.

punter Johnny Hekker, was part of a special teams unit that enjoyed rare team longevity under former special teams coordinator John Fassel.McQuaide made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2017 and has become too expensive for the Rams by 2020.Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) shakes hands with Lions quarterback Jared Goff in 2021..