Lions QB Jared Goff Receives Stunningly Low PFF Grade Despite Buccaneers Victory
The Detroit Lions showcased their prowess on the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dominating a primetime matchup that highlighted several unsung heroes. Yet, amid the celebration of the 20-17 victory, a surprising statistic stood out: quarterback Jared Goff’s dismal performance according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
A Defensive Standout Emerges
In a game where the Lions’ defense shined, cornerback Nick Whiteside made a significant impact during his extended playing time. With D.J. Reed on injured reserve and Terrion Arnold sidelined due to injury, Whiteside stepped up, earning an impressive 83.9 overall defensive grade across 40 snaps. His ability to limit the Buccaneers’ aerial attack was evident, as he allowed just one completion on five targets, with that lone grab being a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Tez Johnson.
Whiteside wasn’t the only defensive player making headlines. Defensive lineman Tyrus Wheat recorded an astonishing 94.7 grade after achieving 1.5 sacks in just nine snaps. Other notable performances came from defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell, and defensive tackle DJ Reader, all contributing to a strong showing against the Buccaneers.
Offensive Line Dominance
On the offensive end, the Lions found their rhythm largely thanks to their offensive line. Right tackle Penei Sewell led the charge with an 89.6 offensive grade, while fellow linemen Taylor Decker and Tate Ratledge also ranked high among the team’s best performers. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown rounded out the top five highest-graded offensive players, showcasing a balanced attack.
Goff’s Struggles and Key Turnovers
Despite the overall team success, Goff’s performance cast a shadow over the victory. He earned the lowest PFF grade of any player on the Lions roster, finishing with a troubling score of 37.4. Goff’s struggles were compounded by two costly turnovers, including an interception that directly led to a Buccaneers field goal. His woes were mirrored by wide receiver Jameson Williams, who failed to register a catch during the game.
PFF Grades Breakdown
The PFF grades tell a compelling story of the game, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the Lions’ performance. Here’s a closer look at the highest and lowest-graded players from the matchup:
Highest PFF-graded offensive players
RT Penei Sewell — 89.6
RB Jahmyr Gibbs — 81.9
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown — 77.1
LT Taylor Decker — 71.7
RG Tate Ratledge — 69.6
Lowest PFF-graded offensive players
TE Brock Wright — 61.9
TE Sam LaPorta — 53.8
RB David Montgomery — 50.6
WR Jameson Williams — 46.6
QB Jared Goff — 37.4
Highest PFF-graded defensive players
CB Nick Whiteside — 83.9
LB Jack Campbell — 83.4
DE Aidan Hutchinson — 83.3
DT DJ Reader — 81.1
S Loren Strickland — 78.0
Lowest PFF-graded defensive players
DT Alim McNeill — 59.8
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad — 59.6
S Erick Hallett II — 55.6
CB Rock Ya-Sin — 46.2
DT Tyler Lacy — 41.7
As the Lions look to build on this victory, the juxtaposition between their defensive triumphs and Goff’s struggles will undoubtedly fuel discussions leading into future matchups.
