The Detroit Lions successfully clinched a playoff spot following their 34-31 win against the Green Bay Packers during Week 14’s TNF showdown.
The victory was one for the whole team, especially Jared Goff, who created history by becoming the third quarterback to complete 5+ passes to six different receivers during a regular season game.
During the Packers matchup, Goff completed 32 of his 41 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to impress the seven-time national champion Nick Saban.
Former Alabama Coach Nick Saban Hilariously Points Out Flaw in Jared Goff’s Play
The seven-time national champ is known to expect perfection from his players and is considered one of the best coaches in college football history.
While the NFL world was praising Goff for his electric performance, coach Saban couldn’t resist pointing out one flaw in the Lions QB’s abilities, further depicting why he is among the best coaches in college football history.
During his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” coach Saban made it clear that fundamental executions are extremely important. He first emphasized the fact that he loves Goff as a player and then pointed out Goff’s execution during the fourth quarter, disapproving the Lions’ quarterback’s footwork.
“I love Jared Goff, but his footwork coming out from under the center there. Everybody said that he made a great play, but with better footwork, he wouldn’t have to,” Saban stated.
"I love Jared Goff but his footwork coming out from under the center there 😂😂
Everybody said that he made a great play but with better footwork he wouldn't have to"
Coach Saban #PMSLive https://t.co/Nu5HvUXTjE pic.twitter.com/92kZNdiGus
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 6, 2024
Saban and McAfee further discussed Lions coach Dan Campbell’s game plan with the score tied 31-31 with only 43 seconds left on the clock. The former Alabama head coach corroborated Campbell’s bold strategy, saying he would approach the situation similarly back in the day, attempting to negate the opponent’s chances to kick a field goal or even score a touchdown.
Saban also emphasized that Campbell believed in his players’ ability to pick up a yard to win the game.
"Dan Campbell was showing that he believed in his players by going for it on 4th & inches..
I always felt like if you can win the game on offense you do it" ~ Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/mk1hdvNeFc
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 6, 2024
“I always felt like, if you can win the game on offense, do it. If you can win the game on offense, you know, 3rd-and-5 and you got to throw it at the end of the game to make a first down to keep the ball so the other team doesn’t get it back, because most of the games that I played conservatively in when I first became a head coach, we always lost [by] giving the other team a chance because we were conservative,” Saban said.
The Lions will play the Buffalo Bills next on Sunday, Dec. 15 in a Week 15 matchup.
