Jared Goff has been exactly what the Detroit Lions’ rebuild needed over the last two seasons. Acquired via trade, the veteran passer struggled in his first season, but has been exceptional over the last two, leading the Lions to a 21-13 record in that time span. In 2023, he helped lead the team to its first division title since the 1991 season, and guided Detroit to two playoff wins in a single postseason for the first time since 1957. His performance has been a huge part of the team’s success, and he has truly performed near the best of any passer in the league. At season’s end, Goff ranked 10th amongst starting quarterbacks in Pro Football Focus’ overall offensive grade. In PFF’s passing grade metric, Goff ranked even higher. He placed sixth, with an 85.2 mark. In that specific area, he graded higher than NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, among others. Goff’s numbers in both areas were career-high totals, as he has continued to show tremendous improvement from when he arrived in Detroit prior to the 2021 season. His 2023 performance was statistically outstanding, as he ranked top-five in multiple categories across the league. He was second in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns, trailing only Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa in the yards department.
Goff has also proven to be very durable, having started each game of the last two seasons. Part of that is due to an outstanding offensive line that has helped keep him upright. Another major factor in Goff’s success has been his partnership with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Both parties have been instrumental in the team’s success, with Johnson’s scheme and Goff’s execution forming a perfect combination. The Lions have also enjoyed the development of two elite pass-catchers early in their careers. Amon-Ra St. Brown has quickly become one of the NFL’s best wideouts, while Sam LaPorta’s rookie year put him in the conversation amongst the best players at the tight end position.
