The Detroit Lions are preparing for one of their biggest challenges of the season as they head to Philadelphia for a primetime showdown against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. It’s a marquee matchup between two NFC heavyweights, and all eyes will be on the quarterback battle between Jared Goff and Jalen Hurts. Ahead of the trip, head coach Dan Campbell delivered a clear message to his quarterback.
Detroit didn’t start the year the way they hoped, taking a Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. After that defeat, Goff acknowledged that the offense was still adjusting to new coordinator John Morton, who took over after Ben Johnson became the head coach in Chicago. Since then, the Lions’ quarterback has settled in, highlighted by a three-touchdown performance in the win over Washington.
A trending moment with a fan celebrating with Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown grabbed online attention, but the focus quickly shifted back to Goff’s play.
When Campbell was asked if Goff might be playing the best football of his career, the Lions coach didn’t hesitate. He said Goff has continued to grow every season and looks completely locked in. Campbell praised Goff’s ability to process defenses, control the tempo, and execute the offense efficiently, saying the game has “slowed down” for him and that he’s performing at a “very high level.”
Goff’s numbers back that up. As of Thursday, Pro Football Reference listed him with a 117.7 passer rating (second-best in the league), a 74% completion rate (best in the NFL), and 20 touchdown passes. He has thrown only three interceptions through nine games.
The Lions enter the weekend at 6–3, while the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles sit at 7–2. Campbell complimented Goff’s sharp work during midweek practices, noting how quickly he digests the game plan. However, the coach raised eyebrows when he referenced Lamar Jackson while describing Goff’s style. Campbell emphasized that Goff succeeds by playing smart, throwing with precision, and leaning on what he does best—not by trying to be a dynamic runner like Jackson.
According to Campbell, Goff understands who he is as a quarterback and is maximizing his strengths as Detroit prepares for its toughest road test of the season.
