We'll kindly request that, before reading this, you knock on some wood.
Done? Good.
Jared Goff is becoming quite the rarity in the NFL. The soon to be 32 year old quarterback has played in every single Detroit Lions game since 2022, withstanding major hits and major pocket collapses to become one of the teams' most reliable starters. And, it's a big luxury to have your great quarterback be your most reliable starter.
Goff is doing this - staying healthy, tough, and poised enough in the pocket to avoid riskier hits - amid numerous injuries to starting quarterbacks around the league. Caleb Williams, Jaxson Dart, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Jayden Daniels, and Sam Darnold are big name starters that have, or are set to, miss time because of early season injuries. Dart is out for the year.
These injury woes have already directly impacted most of these teams' outlooks for the year, although the power of a competent backup quarterback has become clear because of a few of these injuries. Goff's health has been such a key component to the Lions' ability to maintain a high-caliber offense the last four seasons.
Goff's "iron man" abilities are making him one of the league's most valuable quarterbacks
Head coach Dan Campbell was asked this week about Goff's availability being a strength, and he echoed the general sentiment held by Lions fans about their stalwart signal caller.
“He’s durable, he’s tough, he’s resistant, resilient. And he’s been that way. He’s really been that way his whole career. And I know there have been some of these and doesn’t mean that things won’t come up, but there is. And look, he plays through things too now. That’s the other thing, and I guess that plays into the toughness."
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Goff is on his way to passing Joe Montana on the all-time passing yards list in Week 4, especially with the Carolina Panthers already ruling their two starting cornerbacks out ahead of Sunday night. A lot of his success in climbing these lists is due to his availability and durability.
Detroit will simply always be in a game, especially on offense, because of Goff. It's hard not to take that for granted because of how much talent surrounds Goff - Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams, of course - but he's what helps make things click for the offense.
So, be grateful, Lions fans. Goff is both elite at what he does and the most reliable person to have at the position.
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