Jared Goff fuels Lions’ playoff aspirations
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has become a pivotal force in the team’s quest for a playoff berth. His poise and experience have made a considerable impact amid the challenges this season has presented.
A steady hand under pressure
Offensive coordinator John Morton praised Goff’s professionalism and resilience, noting his decade-long experience in the league. “He’s seen a lot of ball. He doesn’t blink,” Morton remarked. Even when faced with adversity, such as a struggling offensive line and injuries to key players, Goff remains unfazed. “He just gets right back up. That’s one of his strengths; he’s mentally tough,” Morton added.
Goff’s preparation has been integral to the Lions’ success. His ability to analyze situations and adapt has been crucial, particularly as he navigates a dynamic offense. “When things don’t go right and through his preparation, he sees certain things and gets to it just like he did a couple weeks ago. It’s helped us a few times,” Morton explained. Goff’s knack for reading defenses and making adjustments alleviates pressure from the entire team, allowing them to focus on executing plays.
Impressive season statistics
This season, Goff has continued to perform at a high level despite the chaos surrounding him. He currently ranks fifth in the NFL with 3,334 passing yards and is second in touchdown passes with 26, boasting a QBR of 56.5. Morton emphasizes the importance of their weekly communication, stating, “We communicate all throughout the whole week. Every day we’re communicating. We watch film, we talk, and then I communicate with Dan (Campbell) and everything.” This synergy is pivotal in maintaining the Lions’ status as one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses.
Aiming for consistency
Despite facing challenges, the Lions have struggled to string together consecutive victories over the past two months. With four games remaining, Goff and his teammates aim to harness the momentum from their victory over the Cowboys to secure wins against the Rams, Steelers, Vikings, and Bears. Each of these matchups carries significant weight in the NFC playoff race.
Goff acknowledged the urgency of the situation, saying, “No doubt, oh yeah. I mean sure, there’s four games left. You can do that with a game or two left, you can kind of put it all together and find it. We’d like to put it all together this week and start that upward trajectory.” After scoring 44 points in their recent win, he expressed optimism about building on that success.
Taking control of the season
Goff remains confident that the team has the ability to influence their fate as the season progresses. “It’s been great. We’re 8-5 and have got a lot of games ahead of us. We still control a lot of what we can do here and want to find a way to win the next game,” he stated. As the Lions prepare for their next challenge against the Los Angeles Rams, Goff’s leadership and performance will be crucial in their playoff push.
