Detroit Lions: Jared Goff is not a bridge? Then prove it
By Robert Jones
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes says that Jared Goff is not a bridge to the Motor City’s next franchise quarterback. If that’s the case then Goff needs to prove it.
In the NFL no position gets more attention than the quarterback. Generally speaking, the quarterback gets too much credit when his team losses, and often times he will get too much praise in victory.
That doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when a quarterback does deserve additional credit for a win after a particularly well-played game. It also doesn’t mean a poor game can be overlooked when dissecting a loss.
The only two players who touch the ball every play, outside of some occasional wildcat action, are the center and the quarterback. Once the ball has been snapped to the quarterback, it is up to him to execute the play at a high level.
If it’s a handoff, then the quarterback needs to make sure the back gets the ball without a hitch. On a pass play, the quarterback has to read the defense and either hit the open receiver or throw the ball away to avoid a sack or turnover.
Quarterback is the toughest position to play in any sport. Not only do they need to be smart and accurate with their passes, but they have to be tough as well. Not just tough enough to take a hit, but to shake off an interception or bad play and not allow it to affect their game.
Matthew Stafford was a tough quarterback with plenty of talent. However, he was never surrounded by a cast of teammates who could help carry the Lions to a championship. The burden was pretty much all his to bear.
Now Matthew is surrounded by plenty of talent in Los Angeles and is hoping to prove he can lead the Rams to the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Rams former quarterback who did lead them to the Super Bowl is now a member of the Detroit Lions.
Despite what success Goff had in Los Angeles, most fans don’t view him as part of the answer. Instead, he is widely regarded as nothing more than a bridge or placeholder by the fans and media until the Lions find their next franchise quarterback. But could Goff be more?