Over the past two seasons, detroit lions’ rebuilding team needed jared goff.
The veteran passer was traded to the lions for 21-13 record in his first season, but has been outstanding in the last two seasons. For the first time since 1957, he led the team to its first division title since the 1991 season, and two playoff victories in a single postseason.
His form has been a huge part of the team’s success, and he has consistently been near the best of any passer in the league. In pro football focus’ overall offensive grade, goff ranked 10th amongst starting quarterbacks at the end of the season.
Goff ranked even higher in pff’s passing grade scale. He finished sixth with an 85.2 percentile. He placed higher than nfl mvp lamar jackson and the eagles’ jalen hurts, among others, in that area.
Goff’s figures in both areas were career-highs, as he continued to show a significant improvement over when he first arrived in detroit prior to the 2021 season.
His 2023 results were statistically outstanding, as he ranked in the top-five in many categories across the league. He was second in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns, trailing only miami’s tua tagovailoa in the yards department.
Since starting each game of the last two seasons, goff has also proven to be a versatile player. An important offensive line has helped him keep him safe. Goff’s success has been attributed to his friendship with offensive coordinator ben johnson, who has been instrumental in his career.
Both sides have played a vital role in the team’s success, with johnson’s scheme and goff’s execution being perfect.
The lions have also benefited from the addition of two elite pass-catchers early in their careers. Amon-ra st. brown has quickly emerged as one of the nfl’s best wideouts, while sam laporta’s rookie season put him in the spotlight among the best tight end players.
Despite all of this, goff is the straw that makes the drink. He is now in line for a major extension that will cement his status as the lions’ quarterback of the future.
His market value has increased, and with the current state of quarterback contracts, it’s not difficult to imagine him receiving a $50 million annual contract.
The lions should feel confident in him guiding them toward a super bowl in the near future, as a result. Detroit seems to have most of its main foundational pieces in place and will use the offseason to add the necessary elements to compete for a super bowl title.
Although goff may not be among the top-10 current quarterbacks when all are healthy, he was certainly one of the best in 2023. And if he continues to grow, the lions will continue to be in contention.
