There's no denying what Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has done over the last four seasons, leading the NFL in passing yards (18,206) and touchdowns (130) over that span. And with three years left on his contract, he's not going anywhere.
But an earlier than expected playoff exit in 2024, and missing the playoffs entirely last season, invites renewed questions about how far the team can go with Goff as the quarterback. Similar underachievement in 2026, especially with a very favorable-looking schedule, may put some uncomfortable conversations on the table in Allen Park.
On the May 14 episode of FS1's "First Things First", Chris Broussard and Nick Wright considered if they'd rather have Goff or Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams this season.
Broussard easily chose Williams, using a car comparison to drive his point.
“I’m shocked this is even a question,” Broussard said. “I mean, Caleb (Williams), because the ceiling is so much higher. I agree, I know what I am going to get with Goff. It’ll be good. But Caleb, I am not as sure what I am going to get, but the ceiling, the potential? I mean, you are talking about a Volvo, a nice Volvo, nothing against Volvos, that’s Goff. And you’re talking about a Porsche (as Williams). We are, there’s no question about it, with Ben Johnson. So, give me Caleb. I don’t even think this is a question.”
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Wright agreed with Broussard, and used his own analogy to explain the difference between the two quarterbacks.
“Listen, I’ve been a Caleb guy, I’ve never stopped being a Caleb guy,” Wright said. “You guys know what my answer is going to be. I also want (to say), I should have leaned into this more. The superhero vs. civilian thing. This is a great example of it. One guy has the ability to be a superhero and the other is an awesome civilian, so I will take the superhero.”
Goff earns knock from NFL analysts amid NFC North quarterback debate
At the quarterback position, there's great comfort in someone who has an established level of play. You know what you're going to get, and the baseline level is going to be fine most of the time. That's Goff, and it works great for the Lions as long as things are situated well around him.
Sometimes, though, a quarterback has to make something out of nothing in a big spot. Navigate a muddy pocket, and deliver a dime to move the sticks. Make a big-time throw on the run, into a tight window and/or with imperfect mechanics.
Those kind of plays are rare for Goff, while Williams does those kind of things on a regular basis. Once Williams hones the core elements of quarterbacking, the upside is a top-five quarterback in the NFL. Goff has had a very nice career, but he has never truly been in that kind of conversation.
Comparing him to a Volvo and calling him an "awesome civilian" are harsh, cold assessments of Goff's talent. But if you're objectively comparing him to a quarterback like Williams, or even of Williams' ilk in terms of sheer upside potential, the labels absolutely fit.
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