The Detroit Lions failed to sustain offense much of the night against the Houston Texans, and a big reason was the struggles of quarterback Jared Goff.
Goff, who had surged on many MVP ballots recently with a string of flawless play, had clunker on the road that was fueled by bad luck as much as inconsistency. He threw five interceptions and and led what was a struggling offensive attack much of the night.
Still, even amid the frustration, Goff wasn't dejected because he didn't see himself as having played badly in spite of what played out on the field.
"I honestly didn't feel like I was playing all that bad and I was seeing things well. I was throwing it well. (I) had some unfortunate things (happen) there early, but I've been through a whole lot worse than that. I've been to the bottom mentally. I've been to the bottom, and some unlucky plays (aren't) going to throw me off my game."
It's true that three of the interceptions weren't necessarily Goff's fault, and he has survived tough losses as well as a massive trade in the prime of his career. That has hardened him to the point where the results in a game won't break him.
Right now, some folks will be tempted to think the Lions are in trouble because Goff showed signs of old weaknesses in a rough game. The opposite is true. The fact that Goff was able to rebound and play a winning role in spite of all the adversity is significant.
Jared Goff: Detroit Lions proved they are a good team with epic response to adversity
While Goff didn't have his best game, the defense was able to step up and get key stops in both the first and second half. The special teams was able to deliver again, making it a true team victory.
Goff thinks that the Lions are now hardened to have success and feels as if the team showed something extra special with the improbable road comeback.
"To win a game where your offense has five turnovers doesn't happen very often. That's a credit to them and a credit to our whole team's resiliency. I think every team gets punched in the mouth. At some point, every team does and the good ones respond and we're one of those teams. We respond."
What's true for the Lions might be doubly true for Goff. Instead of giving up, he stayed in the fight and continued to play in spite of a rough day. Without Goff's leadership and playmaking in the second half, there is no way the Lions mount their comeback.
Instead of thinking this moment represents a negative turning point for Goff, it seems he'll have no trouble rebounding.