Goff vows comeback as Lions tackle red zone woes after tough season-opener loss to Packers
Goff reflects on missed opportunities
Following the Detroit Lions’ disappointing season opener against the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Jared Goff addressed the media, emphasizing that the team fell short of their usual performance standards. After a game that showcased both promise and frustration, Goff openly acknowledged the challenges they faced, particularly in the red zone.
“Yeah, not even close to good enough, right? Not even remotely close in that category,” Goff stated, expressing his disappointment with the team’s inability to generate explosive plays. He added, “I thought we moved the ball decently, but once we got to the red zone, we couldn’t punch it in.” The quarterback highlighted a specific moment when he connected with rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, noting that the team needed more such successful plays to secure victories.
Struggles in the red zone
Addressing the team’s red zone struggles, Goff admitted it was a combination of factors. “It was a little bit of us, a little bit of them. Obviously, on one of those plays, I threw a pick, and that doesn’t help,” he noted, reflecting on the critical mistakes that proved costly. He stressed the importance of reviewing these errors to improve moving forward, acknowledging that the Packers’ defense performed well and capitalized on their opportunities.
Goff remained resolute about the future, asserting, “Yeah, we will move forward fine. We have good players. We have good coaches. We will be fine.” However, he emphasized that urgency in their improvement is crucial, stating, “Today wasn’t even close to good enough offensively. We have a lot of work to do.”
Evaluating Green Bay’s defense
When asked about the Packers’ defensive strategy, Goff did not believe they presented anything unfamiliar. “I thought their defense played well overall,” he said, recognizing their adaptability over the years. He acknowledged the need for the Lions to find ways to counter their tactics in future matchups, noting that the defensive front was effective in applying pressure.
“I thought they rushed hard and got to me a few times,” Goff explained, highlighting the challenges posed by the opposing defense. He reiterated his focus on improving communication and execution within the offense, recognizing that much of the responsibility falls on his shoulders.
Moving beyond the loss
When reflecting on the emotional weight of a Week 1 loss, Goff maintained that it’s not necessarily harder to shake off than losses later in the season. “No, but certainly we have a lot of work to do,” he reiterated, underscoring the need for urgency in their preparations.
On the game plan implemented by the new offensive coordinator, Goff expressed confidence in his performance. “Yeah, I thought he did good. It’s his first time doing it, so there are going to be things that he will learn from and get better at,” he said. Goff emphasized the necessity for improved communication and a clear understanding of assignments among the players.
Addressing the red zone challenges
Goff remained optimistic about overcoming the red zone challenges, stating, “I am not worried about that. I am more so just urgent about getting details fixed.” He acknowledged the need for everyone to be aligned and focused, reinforcing his commitment to leading the team through this learning curve.
As he assessed the Packers’ defensive strategy, Goff recognized their tendency to force opponents into a patient game. “You want to hit it over the top on every defense, but more and more of these defenses are playing with so much depth,” he remarked. Goff highlighted the importance of converting opportunities in the red zone, stating, “If you aren’t going to score on 60-yard touchdowns when you get down there, you have to score touchdowns, and ultimately that is kind of the difference in the game.”
Reflecting on his own performance, Goff acknowledged the interception, attributing it to a miscommunication. “I thought it was a good play by him. I think I just missed it inside,” he explained, revealing a sense of accountability for the mistakes made during the game.
As the Lions prepare to regroup and address their shortcomings, Goff’s determination to improve and adapt will be pivotal in their quest for success this season.
