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The Rams loved Jared Goff until they didn’t. The Lions could be going through the same sharp swing in emotions, soon.
In 2019, the Rams foolishly gave Goff a market-level contract, even though they should have known he wouldn’t take them where they were trying to go. Less than two years later, the RMS tucked an extra first-round pick into the Matthew Stafford trade package to get Goff’s guaranteed money off the books.
The Lions, in order to come away from the transaction with two first-round picks and a third-round pick, accepted the reality that they’d be paying Goff for two seasons. So why not play him?
Goff’s numbers were solid in 2021, even though his record as a starter was 3-10-1. His stats improved last year. The team improved, too, making Goff a no-brainer to remain for another year. His play even sparked chatter of an extension beyond a deal that expires after the 2024 season.
This year, Goff continued to improve. As did the Lions. Not long ago, the Lions seemed to be on track to seriously contend for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. If they end up in that spot, Goff becomes a serious MVP candidate.
They still could. But the last two games for Goff have not been good. He threw three interceptions against the Bears two Sundays ago. (A fourth one, which would have been a pick-six by Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, was dropped.)
The Lions found a way to erase a 26-14 deficit late in the fourth quarter to beat Chicago. Four days later, Goff bookended his trio of interceptions with a three-pack of lost fumbles in a stunning loss at home to the Packers.
Now, the 8-3 Lions play in New Orleans. The Saints are desperate to stay in the hunt for the none-of-the-above NFC South title. The Lions, who were supposed to be in a late-season stretch of winnable games but for a Week 17 trip to Dallas, suddenly have to be leery about the possibility of fending off the Vikings or the Packers for the division crown.
Currently, the Lions seem to be destined for the No. 3 seed in the NFC….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/clock-suddenly-ticking-jared-goff-120115644.html
Author : ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports
Publish date : 2023-12-03 12:01:15
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