Jared Goff may not be the Detroit Lions’ starting quarterback in 2023, but these four games will define how the 2022 season goes for the former No. 1 overall pick.
When the Detroit Lions granted Matthew Stafford’s request to move on and dealt him to the Los Angeles Rams, they essentially got an extra first-round pick (two total in the deal) to take on Jared Goff’s contract. They did need a starting quarterback after all, and Goff could fill the void until they found their next long-term signal caller.
Goff had a rough start to his first season as a Lion. If not for interruptions due to a positive COVID-19 test and a knee injury, his finish to last season (107.1 passer rating over his last five starts) might be getting more broad recognition.
Heading into his second season in Detroit, Goff is being set up to succeed. The talent around him has been upgraded, and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL will ideally be healthy together all season. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is making it a priority to help Goff have his best season, and giving the quarterback some ownership over the offense.
Here’s what Goff said from minicamp earlier this week, via SI.com.
I think the most exciting part for me was the influence he was allowing me to have, asking me and (being) really curious on what I thought and what I liked — genuinely curious, because it’s now a part of what we’re doing. So, I know it wasn’t fake,” Goff expressed to reporters Tuesday, following the first day of mandatory minicamp. “It’s exciting for me, being in Year 7 now, and feeling like I’ve earned having that voice a little bit that he’s given to me, which has been fun.”
The 2022 season, regardless of his specific future (or lack thereof) as the Lions’ quarterback, is a big season for Goff.
On that note, these four games will define the 2022 campaign for Jared Goff.
4 games that will define the 2022 season for Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff
Credit: Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY Sports
4. Week 1 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
It’s not a stretch to say the Lions’ reached their rock-bottom last season in Week 8 with a 44-6 loss to the Eagles on Halloween. The defense couldn’t stop the run at all (236 yards allowed), and the offense generated 67 of its 228 yards on a meaningless fourth quarter drive that allowed them to avoid being shut out.
Goff’s raw numbers from that game actually don’t look that bad considering the one-sided score (25-for-34, 222 yards, 90.6 passer rating). But he was sacked five times, and he overall he was pressured on just over 51 percent of his dropbacks.
The Lions will have revenge on their minds in the season opener. Even if the Eagles have improved and lined up to be very good, the “Motor City Kitties” are better too. Setting the tone for improvement in 2022 starts in Week 1, and win or lose in the season opener Goff will be a poster boy for how good the Lions can be in Dan Campbell’s second season as head coach.