Detroit Lions are the real deal because Jared Goff has become a top-tier QB again

The 2016 No. 1 overall pick who once led the Rams to an NFC title was given away by Los Angeles in the trade for Matthew Stafford. The Rams had to send Detroit extra picks just to take Goff and his salary.

But Goff has gone from a stopgap QB to a Pro Bowl player, helping the Lions to a 5-1 start. He has 1,618 yards passing with 11 TDs, 3 interceptions and a 105.1 passer rating in six games. Last season, he had 29 TD passes and only seven picks.

Playing alongside someone like Goff is amazing,” wide receiver Jameson Williams remarked. “He gets it done and makes the right decisions all the time and we (are) just looking to keep going right now.”

Goff threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers in Detroit’s thrilling 20-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This was against a formidable defense that had more time to prepare for him following a bye.

When running back David Montgomery got hurt, the Lions had to rely more on Goff and the passing game.

“Jared Goff had a fantastic day,” head coach of the Lions Dan Campbell stated. “In my opinion, he had a major offensive role in our victory. We knew going in here that they had a really strong defense, so they made things difficult for us.”

The 49ers and Eagles both suffered their first losses, but the Lions won handily to move into the running for the NFC championship.

The Lions defeated the Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, on the road to begin the season and have so far lived up to the preseason hype. The Lions came into the season with great hopes after finishing 8-2 in the final 10 games in 2022.

Saying, “We know who we are,” Goff declared. “We feel like we can go beat anyone right now.”

The Lions, who haven’t won a postseason game since the 1991 campaign, are already discussing their attempts to gain home-field advantage in the NFC.