When Jared Goff was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions in 2021, the move was overshadowed by the acquisition of Matthew Stafford by the Rams. Goff's role in the trade was seen as a means to facilitate Stafford's arrival, with the general expectation that he would serve as a transitional quarterback for the Lions as they continued their search for a long-term solution. However, Goff's performance under Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has defied initial perceptions, culminating in Detroit's ascent to the top of their division for the first time in 30 years. As a result, Goff's potential for a significant contract extension in the upcoming offseason has come into focus.
The prevailing myth surrounding Goff's tenure in Detroit is that he has undergone a notable transformation as a player compared to his time in Los Angeles. However, a closer examination of the statistics reveals that Goff's performance in Detroit has remained largely consistent with his output in Los Angeles.
Analyzing the numbers, Goff's passing yards per game have seen minimal deviation, averaging 263.4 yards as a Ram and 255.4 as a Lion. Similarly, his yards per attempt have remained relatively stable, registering at 7.5 as a Ram and 7.3 as a Lion. Furthermore, his sack rate has exhibited almost no variance, standing at 5.0% of dropbacks in Los Angeles and 4.9% in Detroit. While his completion percentage has experienced a slight uptick from 63.4% to 66.5%, Goff has also demonstrated improved efficiency by throwing interceptions at a lower rate (1.6% versus 2.3% as a Ram). Notably, his Total QBR has seen a modest increase from 52.1 as a Ram to 57.0 as a Lion.
Although Goff achieved more victories during his tenure in Los Angeles, it is essential to contextualize this discrepancy within the unique circumstances of each team. Goff's role in Los Angeles differed from his responsibilities in Detroit, where he has been instrumental in navigating a comprehensive rebuilding process. Ultimately, Goff's performance in Detroit has mirrored his capabilities in Los Angeles, dispelling the notion of a substantial transformation and underscoring his consistent proficiency as a quarterback.
The myth that Goff is fundamentally different as a player in Detroit does not withstand scrutiny when confronted with the empirical evidence. Instead, Goff's steady performance in Detroit reinforces the recognition of his past achievements in Los Angeles, challenging the underestimation of his abilities during his time with the Rams. As Goff's impact in Detroit continues to unfold, it is imperative to acknowledge the continuity in his skill set and his integral role in the Lions' resurgence, debunking the misconception of a significant metamorphosis in his playing style.