After eighty years in the NFL, Detroit Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff is having one of the greatest seasons of his career. Known for his accuracy, competitive spirit and a high football IQ, the 29-year-old is doing a great job of reminding the doubters why he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
The star quarterback has been exceptional this year and will need to be at his best as his team prepares to face a talented San Francisco 49ers lineup in the NFC Championship on Sunday. Led by Goff, the Lions, a franchise that has struggled to even reach the playoffs in recent history, is now just one win away from reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in their 94-year history.
Niners LB Fred Warner says Lions QB Jared Goff is "a lot better" than he was with Rams: "He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now"https://t.co/jeHCbJO52U pic.twitter.com/JqTuoPNIq9
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 25, 2024
The quarterback’s play on the field has been exceptional this year, so much so that even opposing players are taking note. 49ers linebacker Fred Warner was full of praise for the quarterback during a recent interview:
“I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now with the way that he’s playing…I think he’s the one that’s leading that group,” said Warner
Goff’s spent five seasons in the NFC North battling it out with the 49ers and Warner year after year. That could be a major advantage as he prepares to face a defense he knows well. Overall, he has a 3-6 career record versus the 49ers.
During the regular season, Goff ranked second in the NFL in total yards (4575) behind only Tua Tagovailoa. He finished second in the league in completions (407) and fourth in touchdowns (30).
Over a short period, Goff has transformed the fortunes of a Lions franchise that has had little to cheer about in recent years. If he can somehow guide the team to their first-ever Super Bowl, his name will be forever etched into Detroit sports folklore. Win or lose on Sunday, Goff has already endeared himself to a passionate and loyal fanbase that has been desperately in need of a leader.
