The e Detroit Lions are coming off their best season, reaching the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers and winning the NFC North. It’s been a significant turnaround over the past two seasons with Jared Goff at quarterback.
However, despite this progress, the Lions have hit their ceiling with Goff. A change is needed if they aim to make the Super Bowl.
Since being traded to the Lions in 2021, Goff has performed well. Although his first season ended with a 3-13-1 record, he and the Lions, under Dan Campbell’s leadership, improved to 9-8 in 2022 and 12-5 this past season.
Goff’s growth was evident: he went from averaging 6.6 yards per attempt for 3,245 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 2021 to 7.6 yards per attempt for 5,411 yards and 34 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in 2023.
Much of this success is credited to the Lions and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Goff’s quick release, precision, and ability to thread the ball into tight windows, combined with Johnson’s creative play-calling, have been instrumental. Johnson’s use of motion and varied formations has helped Goff by confusing defenses.
However, Goff has several limitations. His struggle to read post-snap coverage rotations makes him uncomfortable, often playing as though the defense is in its pre-snap alignment. His lack of mobility also makes him a stationary target in the pocket.
In 2023, when kept clean, Goff completed 75.8% of his passes for 4,051 yards and 28 touchdowns with three interceptions. But under pressure, his completion percentage dropped to 49.8%, with 1,360 yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions. As games progress, Goff becomes undisciplined, forcing plays that aren’t there, which leads to turnovers.
Goff is a capable quarterback but has a ceiling. He can guide the Lions to the playoffs, but his play deteriorates under pressure, putting the team at risk. If Goff isn’t the answer, then who is? The solution may already be on the roster.
The Lions selected Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he could elevate this offense. Hooker missed time recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November during his time at Tennessee.
Efficient is the word to describe him, having passed for 6,101 yards, 58 touchdowns, and only five interceptions over two seasons at Tennessee.
BHooker’s strengths counter Goff’s weaknesses. In 2022, he threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and two interceptions, with 2,082 yards and 19 touchdowns coming when not pressured.
Even when pressured, Hooker still performed well, throwing for 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt compared to 9.9 when not. He remains composed under pressure, going through his progressions while maneuvering the pocket efficiently.
Hooker also brings mobility, rushing for 1,352 yards and 10 touchdowns at Tennessee. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket or take off for yardage forces defenses to account for him as a runner, opening up opportunities for receivers underneath. This is a dynamic currently missing from the Lions’ offense.
Hooker has excellent anticipation and quick processing, which allows him to get the ball out quickly and accurately. He’s careful with the ball, routinely putting his team in a position to win. However, he did struggle with eye discipline in college, often staring down his receivers, which allowed defenders to close in on his passes. This is an area he’ll need to improve.
BThe Lions have a talented roster with young stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta.
The team’s culture is strong, and they’re on the rise, but they still need a quarterback who can elevate the offense. Goff is decent, but he lacks the ability to take the Lions to the next level like Hooker could.
