Jared Goff Reacts to Frank Ragnow’s Unexpected Return from Retirement
In the wake of a disappointing 31-24 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff faced reporters to discuss various aspects of the game and the surprising news of center Frank Ragnow’s return from retirement.
Ragnow’s Comeback Announcement
Goff revealed that he had been in touch with Ragnow several weeks prior to the announcement. “A few weeks ago, he reached out and expressed some interest. I think he got that itch again,” Goff stated. The quarterback expressed his enthusiasm for Ragnow’s return, saying, “We’ll be excited to get him back.” This unexpected development adds a layer of hope for the Lions as they navigate their season.
Assessment of the Game Performance
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance against the Packers, Goff noted the mixed feelings that came with it. “Pretty good, yeah. I thought there were good moments offensively, moving the ball pretty well at times,” he said, acknowledging the team’s ability to generate offense despite the loss. However, he lamented the missed opportunities, adding, “Obviously, it wasn’t enough and to come up short that way – it sucks, it hurts. You wish you had another chance.” Goff commended the Packers for their performance, saying, “You tip your cap. They played well.”
Stepping Up in the Face of Adversity
With key players like Amon-Ra St. Brown sidelined, Goff praised the resilience of his teammates. “Kind of knew it would become Jamo’s game there, really before the game, and then when that happens, you really know it,” he explained, referring to Jameson Williams stepping up in St. Brown’s absence. He also highlighted the contributions of Isaac TeSlaa and Tom Kennedy, calling Kennedy an “unsung hero” for his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
Critical Fourth Downs and Future Improvements
When asked about the offensive calls on fourth down, Goff expressed confidence in the decisions made. “I did. Yeah, I did. I’ve got to connect with Jamo there on the one down in the red zone,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of execution in those critical moments. He recognized the weight of missed opportunities, saying, “That’s the one that will hurt me for a while.”
Goff candidly addressed the challenges the team faces on fourth downs, stating, “I don’t think there’s anything you can do. You’ve just got to execute in those big moments.” He remained firm on the need for improvement, lamenting missed connections that could have led to scores.
Adapting Without Key Offensive Players
The absence of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta certainly affected the Lions’ offensive dynamics. Goff noted, “It changes some stuff. He’s obviously such a big part of our offense; a lot of it goes through him.” However, he maintained optimism, saying, “So it changes a little bit, but not much.”
Looking Ahead to Future Challenges
As the Lions prepare for the remainder of the season, Goff remains focused on the task at hand. “Of course, yeah, win the next one,” he said, setting the goal of reaching an 8-5 record. He acknowledged the importance of upcoming games for division standings, emphasizing, “Yeah, we’ve got to win the next one and find a way to beat Dallas.”
With Ragnow’s impending return and the determination to overcome recent setbacks, the Lions aim to regroup and push forward in a competitive season.
