Few topics generate as strong a debate among Detroit fans as when you compare former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford and current quarterback Jared Goff. However, Goff has helped in Detroit’s recent rise to legitimate Super Bowl contention.

During an appearance on the 'Paul Farrington Show', analyst Robert Ziegler argued that Goff had a better career with the Rams than Stafford did with the Lions. 

“I know Stafford has the Lions s*** going for him," Ziegler stated. "But also Jared Goff played much better with the Rams than Stafford with the Lions.”

There was a recent debate whether Goff had a case for Hall Of Fame induction if he won the Super Bowl in 2026. Therefore, Ziegler weighed in as to how Goff was the most productive quarterback in the NFL between 2017 and 2019.

“Goff went to the Super Bowl with the Rams and from 2017 to 2019, he was the most productive quarterback in football,” Ziegler added. “Stafford with that Super Bowl trophy completely changed the way we talk about Stafford.”

Farrington argued that Stafford was not in the 'legends' conversation before his trade to the Rams. However, he added that his MVP last season was much deserved.

Stafford had spent 12 years in Detroit after he was selected first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.

He threw for 45,109 yards with 282 touchdowns and a passer rating of 89.9 during his tenure with the Lions. However, he only made the playoffs thrice and had a record of 0-3 in the playoffs.

Stafford-Goff Debate Likely Will Never Disappear In Detroit

While Stafford has the stats to prove that he is the franchise's best quarterback, the lack of playoff appearances does hurt his case.

Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and two first-round picks to the Lions in 2021. With head coach Dan Campbell, Goff and the Lions able to reach the Conference Finals in 2023 and clinch the first seed in 2024.

Since joining the Lions, Jared Goff has passed for 21,451 yards, 149 touchdowns and a passer rating of 101.3. Goff has career numbers of 39,622 yards, 256 touchdowns and a passer rating of 96.8 in 151 games.

Meanwhile, Stafford threw for 64,516 yards with 423 touchdowns with a passer rating of 92.4 in 239 games.

Stafford has made three Pro-Bowls, which is two less than Jared Goff. However, Stafford has won the Super Bowl and won the 2025 MVP award. Goff has helped make the best team in Lions' history and has arguably accomplished more with the Lions than Stafford.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Rishab Nandi