Jared Goff comfortable and in control entering big season in his career

In a better circumstance than he was at this time last year, Lions quarterback Jared Goff is comfortable and set up to take control in what looks like a huge season in his career.

Expectations certainly weren’t high for Jared Goff in 2021, entering his first season with the Detroit Lions as they entered a rebuild after trading Matthew Stafford in a deal that brough Goff back in return.

After an awful early season stretch, Goff finished last season well (107.1 passer rating over his final five starts). A demotion for then-offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn was a huge factor, replaced by head coach Dan Campbell as the play caller and tight ends coach Ben Johnson becoming passing game coordinator.

Johnson isnow the Lions’ offensive coordinator, and he has made a clear effort to get the best Goff has to offer. His relationship with Goff is obviously a far cry from the quarterback’s relationship with Lynn.

Jared Goff appears comfortable and in control of his destiny in 2022

Earlier this week, via Lions Wire, Goff talked about his relationship with Johnson.

"Yeah, it’s been better than I could ever imagine,”“The trust he has in me, and the amount of questions he asks me, and vice versa, the amount of questions I can ask him. And his responsiveness, and how great he is at listening, all that stuff is so helpful for a quarterback and I don’t take it for granted. He’s a great coach and someone I’m excited to work with.”"

Goff went a little further on Wednesday, talking about his ownership of the Lions’ offense.

"I think I’ve got full control of what we’re doing on offense and full ownership,” “They’ve given me the reigns and I’ve ran with it as best I can. I know that — I think I know that they’ve been happy with the way things have gone up to this point with me in that position. But it’s, yeah, I feel confident. I feel confident in the guys around me too. It’s been really fun.”"

The Lions added downfield threats this offseason in DJ Chark and Jameson Williams (when the latter is healthy of course). So the on-field talent around Goff is better too.

It doesn’t feel like Goff is going to be the Lions’ quarterback beyond this season, or maybe next if things break a certain way. But this is undeniably an important season in his career, regardless of what his future in Detroit is, and he’s entering it projecting a far different image than he did for much of last season. A comfortable, confident image, rooted in connecting with an offensive coordinator/play caller the way he did during his best years with the Rams.