Jared Goff celebrates a victory with the Detroit Lions at the 49ers. A special experience for a special playmaker, according to his coach.

For Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the 40-34 win against the San Francisco 49ers at the end of NFL Week 17 was a special one. And not just because it was his 14th win of the season.

Goff was born in California, grew up as a Niners fan and played at the University of California. Now he was back in his old home and heard the away fans chant his name.

“Pretty unreal. Our fans have been incredible at away games all year,” the playmaker said after the game.

“It’s really remarkable what they’ve done. It’s very cool for me to be home in front of my family and friends and have an experience like this.”

Goff had lost all six of his previous games against the 49ers, but not in week 17.

“I know he had a lot of friends and family here, so I know this meant something to him,” head coach Dan Campbell stated afterwards.

Campbell praises Goff

“There were a lot of things that meant something to him. Getting a win here that we didn’t manage last year.” Of course, there was also the history with the L.A. Rams, for whom Goff had played for a long time but was traded for Matthew Stafford in 2020. But a lot has happened since then, in Campbell’s opinion.

“This is a different Jared Goff now. He’s different. He’s developed and matured, and he’s just getting into his prime. He’s just getting better and better. He’s playing at the highest level right now. Name me a quarterback who’s playing better than him in this league right now. I’d like to see him.”

Goff led his team in commanding fashion: 303 passing yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 132.4. It was his fourth consecutive game with more than three passing touchdowns.