What did Jared Goff say to Penei Sewell before big catch against the Vikings?

Before the play that sealed the Detroit Lions’ win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, Jared Goff had some advice for Penei Sewell.

When Lions right tackle Penei Sewell was lined up to the left on a critical 3rd-and-7 play late in last Sunday’s win over the Vikings, that was one thing. Then the big man went in motion, like a receiver would. In the moment  it was easy to say-he’s not getting the ball, is he?

Leaking out to the right flat, Sewell was wide open and caught the pass from Jared Goff, ran upfield a little and got the first down. He also got down and stayed in-bounds to keep the clock running with less than two minutes left.

The Lions coaches having the guts to call that play in that situation has been lauded all week, and of course if it hadn’t been executed (an offensive tackle is not exactly a natural pass catcher, you know) the sentiment would have been the other way

But it worked.

Jared Goff had some sound advice for Penei Sewell before big catch vs. Vikings

Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds was mic’d up for last Sunday’s game. He was on the field for the play that went to Sewell.

At about the 12:10 mark of the video, in the huddle, here’s what Goff had to say to Sewell.

"They told me to tell you, Penei, hold onto the ball, don’t be stupid with it. Just know if you get the ball stay in bounds, get the first down,” Goff told Sewell."

Part of a quarterback’s job in the huddle before a critical play is to make sure everyone has situational awareness, especially those who may be getting the ball. Sewell did exactly as he was advised.

Sewell told Pro Football Talk after the game the play had had been practiced only three times, on Friday after he found out about it the Thursday before the game. He caught it twice in practice, and again in the game to seal a big win over the Vikings.