Goff’s Consistency Underlines Lions’ Optimism for the Season Ahead
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — As the Detroit Lions gear up for another season, Amon-Ra St. Brown, the team’s standout wide receiver, shares some thoughts on his quarterback, Jared Goff. While there may be a general underselling of Goff’s talents, St. Brown is passionate about defending him.
“I think he’s been underrated his whole career, and I don’t think that’ll ever change,” St. Brown remarked during a training camp session. He highlighted the significant differences in public perception between Goff and more celebrated quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. While these players are recognized for their flashy skills—powerful throws, unmatched speed, and game-winning performances—Goff is often viewed through a different lens.
St. Brown believes Goff’s greatest strength lies in his ability to maintain a steady performance rather than grab headlines with dramatic plays. “He’s not too flashy,” St. Brown explained. “But he’s consistent.” And that consistency is precisely what led the Lions to an impressive 15-2 record last year, earning them the best score in the NFC.
As the Lions embark on this season, they aim to build on last year’s success. One of the crucial transitions involves their new offensive coordinator, John Morton, stepping into the role after Ben Johnson. The hope within the organization is that Goff can sustain his reliable play, despite the recent loss of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow.
Goff had a standout year in 2024, posting career-highs in several categories, including passing yards and touchdown passes. He amassed 4,629 yards, with only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow surpassing that figure. His passer rating of 111.8 was second only to Jackson, while Goff’s total of 37 touchdowns ranked fourth overall. These numbers reflect not only Goff’s individual talent but also a well-functioning offense that could understand and adapt to various strategies.
Morton noted how Goff’s experience allows him to read defenses better, stating, “The game has slowed down for him from a protection standpoint.” With three years in this offensive scheme, Goff is expected to perform exceptionally well, adequately grasping each play’s nuances and responsibilities.
Morton aims to recapture the offensive efficiency seen last year, but with a fresh perspective. His strategy involves teaching the entire offense from Goff’s point of view. This will enable the skill players to anticipate how defensive alignments affect plays, thereby improving overall team performance.
The chemistry between Goff and his teammates, particularly St. Brown, is critical. Morton emphasized that the most outstanding receivers have a shared understanding of the game with their quarterbacks. This communication allows them to “see the game slow down,” which can translate into more effective, confident performances on the field.
As Goff prepares to navigate a new offensive structure, there are promising signs of collaboration and continuity. Though Morton is introducing new elements to the game plan, the team’s strength in the run game remains a key focus. Left tackle Taylor Decker acknowledged that the Lions will maintain their commitment to a balanced attack while also being adaptable in their passing strategies.
Decker expressed optimism about the upcoming season, saying, “We run the ball a lot on third downs, and we go for it on fourth downs.” This running game is essential to their strategy, but so is the evolving passing game under Morton’s guidance.
St. Brown remains an integral part of this evolving dynamic. Known for his precise routes and tactical understanding, he has become a trusted target for Goff. Teammates admire Goff not just for his skills but for his humble demeanor. Decker described him as a “superstar” who avoids the typical attention-seeking attributes of many star athletes. “He’s just like a regular guy,” Decker remarked, showcasing the respect Goff commands within the team.
Despite the positive internal perception, St. Brown believes that Goff will continue to be underestimated by outsiders. “I feel like he’s always going to be underrated no matter what he does,” he stated. This underdog mentality fits well with the Lions’ team culture, pushing them to prove naysayers wrong, one game at a time.
Ultimately, as the season approaches, Goff stands at the forefront of the Lions’ ambitions. His unassuming style may not generate the same buzz as some of his contemporaries, but within the locker room, that quiet confidence speaks volumes. As the Lions aim for postseason success, it’s clear they believe in their quarterback, and they’ll continue to rally around him, making a compelling case for his overlooked talents.
