The Detroit Lions don’t seem to be in any hurry to replace Jared Goff
By Robert Jones
The Detroit Lions haven’t demonstrated any real urgency to replace Jared Goff, especially now on the heels of their first win.
The Detroit Lions found a way to take advantage of the opportunity an undermanned Minnesota Vikings team provided for them in Week 13. The result was an exciting last-minute drive that ended with a walk-off touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Goff was particularly good in the first half (13-for-17 for 185 yards and two touchdowns, as the Lions took a 20-6 into the half), on his way to 296 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a couple giveaways in the second half, but still won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 13.
The second-half results, up until that final drive, were predictable as the Vikings stormed back, still grossly undermanned, and wrestled away the lead late, nearly pulling off the comeback win. If the Lions could have sustained offense better in the second half, the game may not have come down to the final drive.
Kudos to Goff for leading the final drive that had to happen in order to get the victory. Kudos to him for actually throwing the ball down the field occasionally. Good things happen when an offense stretches a defense.
However, the biggest question to come out of that game is if we are seeing some development in Goff?
Lions may not be in any hurry to replace Jared Goff
Shy of calling him out several weeks ago, Campbell has been pretty unwavering in his belief in Goff this season (perhaps due to Tim Boyle and David Blough being the other options). Last Sunday against a defense that resembled a M.A.S.H unit, Goff looked like an NFL quarterback. How will he look in Denver against the Broncos in Week 14?
Goff has actually played well in the last two games, seemingly fully healthy after an oblique injury.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes will have an opportunity to fill needs in the draft, though it seems like the odds of gambling on a quarterback are becoming more remote. Perhaps if a passer like Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh were available when the Lions are on the clock with their second first-round pick which was acquired from the Rams, they would pounce on him.
But scarcity creates demand. If we pay attention to any of the current mock drafts there are often as many as five passers going in the first round, But frankly, there are maybe two or three who are worthy. But as teams search for a franchise quarterback, some will reach for potential.
Whether we like it or not, Goff seems destined to be the Lions quarterback next season. The biggest question will be how a possible draft pick fits, or if the free agent or trade markets will bring a veteran who could compete for the starting job.
The Lions certainly don’t seem to be in a hurry to replace Goff right now. The restructuring of his contract upon acquiring him, which essentially locked him in for two seasons, was the first sign that would be the case. It’s really down to a question of how the rest of the depth chart will look for 2022, and what can be taken from moves that are and aren’t made.
Next. 5 internal 2022 free agents the Lions should re-sign. dark
