The Saints (14-3) will host the the Rams (14-3) in the NFC Championship game at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The winner advances to play the Chiefs-Patriots winner in Super Bowl LIII, which will be played Feb. 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Here’s what Rams quarterback Jared Goff had to say to reporters during his media availability session Friday:
On how he would characterize his week of preparation for the New Orleans Saints:
"It's been good. It's been sharp. We've been sharp. We've been really dialed-in, focused on all the little details and have done a good job all week."
On some of the team's characteristics that has allowed them to be as successful as they are on the road:
"Yeah, I think we jell together well on the road and have that mindset of us against the world and all that. When it's loud, we love it and try to relish in it, try to enjoy it. It'll be no different this weekend."
On whether he's feeling more comfortable going to the Superdome and dealing with the noise knowing that he's already experienced it:
"Yeah, it'll be loud. It'll be something we have to deal with. Definitely something that is an advantage for them if used correctly. But, something that we've dealt with, we've won in before – we've won in that type of atmosphere. Something that we're ready to deal with accordingly and have prepped for all week."
On whether there is anything that he feels like he personally has to do differently than when they last played the Saints:
"No. I don't think so. I think just take care of the football. There was the one turnover I had that you'd like to take away. But, take care of the football, distribute the ball, be smart with it and win. That's what you want to do as a quarterback, is win."
On how much easier it makes his life having RB Todd Gurley II and RB C.J. Anderson:
"It's good. It's been great. Just both of them being able to feed of each other and (RB) Todd (Gurley II) being the player he is and (RB) C.J. (Anderson) being such a good complement for him. Them each giving each other some time to rest, when the other is in, it's been huge. Just seeing, especially last game, seeing how fresh Todd can be when you get someone in there that can actually give him some rest and C.J. does a great job of that."
On if practice was normal this week despite having the weather issues:
"Yeah, yeah it was just as normal as it has been. We didn't have any weather. It was great."
On coach Sean McVay defending his short slump and saying it was a matter of a couple throws going different ways and if he agrees:
"It was a bad game or two. I hate having to keep talking about it, but if you guys keep asking about it – you can call it three games if you want. If you're going to take three out of 16, I'm OK with that."
On Saints QB Drew Brees being the NFL record holder in passing yards and possibly a future Hall of Fame quarterback and whether (Goff) sees the NFC championship as an opportunity to take the next step in his personal growth:
"Yeah, no doubt. He's a guy that's done it. He's been there. He's done it and does it the right way, seems like every year. He seems like he's only getting better. Have so much respect for him and everything he's brought to the game. Admire how long he's done it for and what a high level he's done it for and the way he leads and the way he goes about his business and the way he works. Everything he does is so admirable. Yeah, you'd love to win this game to try to jump into that type of category with winning a couple more. But, he's a great player and a guy I have a lot of respect for."
On how much of an advantage it is to have the offensive line maintain their health all season and play every game:
"It's been great. Just having those guys healthy and having them available and jelling together. It seems like they're playing their best ball right now, which is what you want. They've been great. It's, again, like you've said, it's the same as last year, outside of (OL Austin) Blythe filling in for (Former Rams G) Jamon (Brown) and he's had a tremendous year. So, it's been good to see that."
About the Author