The last, and only time, Lions quarterback Jared Goff has faced the Kansas City Chiefs was memorable. On Nov. 19, 2018, the Los Angeles Rams (led by Goff) beat the Chiefs 54-51. The game featured 14 touchdowns (three by defensive players), over 1,000 yards of combined offense and 56 first downs. It is the only game in NFL history where both teams scored at least 50 points.
Goff will play his first career game in Kansas City next Thursday night, and the Lions haven't played at Arrowhead Stadium since 2003. But everyone is well aware of the environment that will be present, let alone the challenge on the field taking on the defending Super Bowl champions.
When the Thursday night season opener was revealed, head coach Dan Campbell was candid about why the Lions were chosen to play the Chiefs.
"Now I’ll say this, this is my first thought, if I’m being totally honest as to why they would give us Kansas City. Well yeah, we finished the year (well) certainly, but it also means they’re betting on we won’t get our a**es kicked, all right? You may get beat, but you won’t get your a**es kicked. That’s what they’re saying. So, that’s fine.""
Jared Goff fully embracing the prospect of a shootout against the Chiefs
The formula for the Lions to upset the Chiefs is fairly simple, but also way easier said than done. Control the ball offensively, score touchdowns, not field goals and get a takeaway or two defensively. And even then, the Chiefs have to be outscored in most games if you're going to beat them. No 17-10 wins are happening against them.
Of course Goff has experience in a shootout against the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Speaking to the media on Friday, the Lions' signal caller said he'll embrace the prospect of another back-and-forth high scoring affair this time around.
#Lions QB Jared Goff says he’ll “embrace” a shootout with the #Chiefs if it happens.
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 1, 2023
He knows a thing or two about shootouts with Patrick Mahomes..pic.twitter.com/Eo0EAhwBYp
The Lions' offense seems to be equipped enough to keep a close pace with the Chiefs' offense. Goff, as expected, is not running from the idea it will be a shootout in the season opener.