NFL.com has ranked every starting quarterback from the 2021 season, so where did Jared Goff land?
Jared Goff had an up-and-down first season with the Detroit Lions. For a stretch (Week 5-10, with a bye in Week 9), he was legitimately one of the wost quarterbacks in the league (one touchdown pass, 5.9 yards per attempt).
But over his final five starts of the season, interrupted by COVID-19 and a knee injury, Goff posted a 107.1 passer rating with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. The Lions went 3-2 in those games.
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com has ranked all 62 quarterbacks who started a game in the NFL during the 2021 season. If you’re curious, Tom Brady was No. 1 and Jake Fromm (New York Giants) came in last. Matthew Stafford was No. 5.
Where did Jared Goff land on NFL.com’s quarterback ranking?
Goff landed at No. 23 on Rosenthal’s list.
"23-Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, Year 62021 stats: 14 games | 67.2 pct | 3,245 pass yds | 6.6 ypa | 19 pass TD | 8 INT | 87 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 9 fumbles2020 final ranking: 22 | 2019: 20 | 2018: 7 | 2017: 15 | 2016: 32Goff made do with a rag-tag group of receivers led by fourth-round rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown and a bunch of castoffs. A strong offensive line and aggressive coaching staff give Goff a chance to improve in his second season with the Lions, but he’s settling into a career as a starter just below the Dalton Line. If Goff is your guy, the search continues for The Guy."
“The Dalton Line” is of course a reference to Andy Dalton, the former Bengals quarterback who is starting to become a bit of a journeyman. As Rosenthal wrote, Goff is not a quarterback you hitch your long-term wagon to.
If you’re curious, as I was, Tim Boyle, who started three games for the Lions in Goff’s place, came in at No. 54 in Rosenthal’s ranking.
"That famous Boyle arm strength everyone talks about didn’t show up in three steadily improving regular-season starts. Against Atlanta and Seattle, Boyle looked like someone who would stick around for at least a few more years."