The Lions spent Sunday cleaning out their lockers and reflecting on Saturday night’s loss to the Commanders instead of preparing for the NFC Championship Game.
For a 15-win team expected by many to make the Super Bowl, it was a sudden and disappointing turn of events. Much of the blame has fallen on quarterback Jared Goff, who threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the 45-31 defeat. These mistakes overshadowed his contributions that helped the Lions reach this point.
On Sunday, right tackle Penei Sewell defended Goff, saying it was wrong to assign all the blame to him.
“I don’t understand how a team sport allows people to blame just one person,” Sewell said. “It’s not like he’s out there alone. I’ll never get it, but that’s not my focus. It’s just bullshit.”
Sewell’s remarks highlight the scrutiny NFL quarterbacks face. Until Goff has the chance to deliver a better outcome, criticism will persist. That opportunity won’t come for a while, and how he responds will determine if Saturday’s game defines his NFL legacy.
