Jared Goff might still deal with the mocking monikers critics break out after every shaky performance from him, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to remain the best leader for this Detroit Lions team.
Goff, who witnessed Jahmyr Gibbs single-handedly save the Lions season in Week 12 against the New York Giants, didn't have a bad game. He threw one pick that wasn't really his fault, had a few passes that were right in the hands of both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams that were just dropped, and two touchdown passes.
He hasn't been playing at an MVP level this season, but that doesn't mean he's been bad. It's the Lions' offensive line, with their huge question mark at center and issues at guard, that remains his Achilles heel. Still, Goff refuses to toss the unit under the bus, and he wasn't going to start to do so after Week 12 left the Lions a bit shaken up.
"These guys are a rare breed...they're battling right now through some stuff, and they don't want your sympathy. They're just gonna put their head down and work, and I'm proud of those guys, and thankful for them for laying it on the line for me, and for the running backs every game."
Goff still praising O-line despite continued woes
While Gibbs had an astronomical performance in Week 12, it was despite poor work from up the gut on the Lions' O-line. The unit finished up with three allowed sacks, 13 total pressures, 22 total yards lost on sacks, and three quarterback hits allowed. To their credit, though, they thoroughly outplayed the Giants' line - ironic, considering their start tackle's comments on Aidan Hutchinson after the game.
The issues are obvious with the unit. They suffered a huge loss when Frank Ragnow decided to retire after the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving the Lions vulnerable. They could've targeted another IOL player in addition to Tate Ratledge, and instead, were left scrounging in free agency for playable linemen. Graham Glasgow has been asked to step in at center this season, and so far, the returns are bleak for him.
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Ratledge was also getting reps at center in minicamp, but the job ultimately went to Glasgow as the team didn't want to put that much pressure on a rookie to succeed in a role that a veteran had just left behind.
There's no time for true experimentation at center anymore. Detroit is in the thick of a postseason race within the NFC North, with a huge revenge game against the Green Bay Packers slated for Thanksgiving afternoon. A win could left them to a tie for first place with the Chicago Bears in the division. A loss could land them firmly in third place and battling for a Wild Card slot.
The line has a ton to do with that, and a lot to do with their more demoralizing losses on the year. Goff is nice to have such faith in the unit to keep improving, but, it's Week 13 already and they haven't shown the ability to shut down elite defenses. Hopefully, that changes at Ford Field this week.