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Notes: QB coach Mark Brunell says he can identify with Jared Goff

After all, he’s been in their shoes.

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New York Jets v Jacksonville Jaguars Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Though Jared Goff doesn’t officially become a Detroit Lion until the start of the league year, Detroit’s coaching personnel are already thinking about ways to connect with the incoming quarterback.

Quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell has experienced all types of NFL quarterback situations — he’s been in their shoes. He was drafted by Green Bay in the fifth round to spend two years battling it out to be the backup for a young Brett Favre. He’d then be traded to Jacksonville where he found success over eight seasons, then to the Washington Football Team, the New Orleans Saints, and the New York Jets.

NFL coaches aren’t allowed to discuss trades before they’re official, but Brunell told detroitlions.com senior writer Tim Twentyman that if/when Goff comes to the Motor City, he’ll be able to relate to him.

“I’ve been traded, I’ve been cut, I’ve been benched, I’ve been booed, I’ve been told, ‘you’re just not what we want,’ I’ve been kicked to the curb,” Brunell said. “I’ve gone through just about anything an NFL quarterback can go through. ... So sure, I can identify with Jared Goff, or whoever is our starter, but I can also identify with the kid who’s just new to the building.”

Though this is Brunell’s first season coaching at the NFL level, he believes his own experiences will help build trust with the Detroit quarterbacks and show that he understands what they’re dealing with and how to succeed.

Twentyman’s article includes much more detail and storytelling, read the entire piece here.

And onto the rest of your notes.

  • And including yesterday’s Lions-themed Valentine’s Day cards in case you enjoy that type of thing:

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