Jared Goff Addresses Lions’ Struggles Following Season-Opening Loss to Packers
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff faced the media in the aftermath of a disappointing season opener against the Green Bay Packers, acknowledging the team’s subpar performance. The Lions fell short in several critical areas, particularly in generating explosive plays and executing in the red zone.
Frustrations with Offensive Execution
Goff candidly reflected on the team’s inability to produce the big plays that often define successful offenses. “Yeah, not even close to good enough, right? Not even remotely close in that category,” he stated, visibly frustrated. He noted that while the team managed to move the ball effectively at times, they faltered when it mattered most. “Once we got to the red zone, we couldn’t punch it in,” he added. Goff recognized a missed opportunity involving a throw to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, emphasizing the need to convert such chances: “You would like to come away from a game with four or five of those.”
Challenges in the Red Zone
When discussing the red zone struggles, Goff attributed part of the issue to a combination of his mistakes and the Packers’ defensive prowess. “I threw a pick, and that doesn’t help,” he explained, indicating that a critical interception contributed to the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. “They played well on defense. They have a good defense, and we certainly didn’t play even close to where we need to play.”
Moving Forward with Urgency
Despite the setback, Goff expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound. “We have good players. We have good coaches. We will be fine,” he reassured, but he emphasized the need for urgency in making improvements. “Today wasn’t even close to good enough offensively. We have a lot of work to do.”
Adapting to Defensive Strategies
Goff also addressed the Packers’ defensive strategies, noting that they have evolved over the years. “I thought their defense played well overall,” he remarked, acknowledging their ability to adapt to the Lions’ offensive schemes. He reinforced the importance of the Lions finding ways to counter these adjustments in future matchups.
Focus on Communication and Execution
A key area of concern for Goff is ensuring that the team is aligned in its communication and execution. “I am more so just urgent about getting details fixed and making sure that everyone is on the same page,” he stated. He took responsibility for his role in the offensive success, admitting, “Ultimately, a lot of it falls on me.”
Looking Ahead to Improvement
Goff is determined to lead his team in addressing the challenges they faced in Week 1. “Our urgency in improving is going to be at a high level this week,” he asserted. With a new offensive coordinator at the helm, Goff acknowledged the learning curve that comes with the territory but remained optimistic about the potential for greatness. “We should be great right now, but there are hurdles obviously that you are going to have to face and get over,” he said.
Patience Against Defensive Depth
In analyzing the Packers’ defensive approach, Goff noted the necessity of patience. “Of course 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 explained. The Lions managed to execute long drives but ultimately fell short in the red zone, which Goff identified as a decisive factor in the game’s outcome.
Reflections on Mistakes
Goff also took a moment to reflect on his interception, calling it a good defensive play but recognizing his own miscalculation. “If I had just hit him on his outside shoulder, it probably would have been fine,” he acknowledged, showing a willingness to learn from his mistakes.
With a renewed focus on improvement and communication, Goff and the Lions aim to bounce back as they prepare for their next challenge.
