As we know, Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff are trading places for the 2021 NFL season and beyond as the Detroit Lions traded Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Goff and a trio of draft picks (including a pair of first-round picks).
So, how will Goff fit with the Lions in 2021?
Here is what Matt Bowen of ESPN has to say about the marriage.
What he does best: Goff is a productive, rhythm thrower when the run and pass game are married together — in a play-action based offense. We saw that in 2018, when he had 32 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions and the Rams made it to Super Bowl LIII. He struggled the past two seasons, however, throwing 29 interceptions and averaging only 7.3 yards per attempt.
The fit: With new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, the Lions should bring a run-heavy approach in 2021, which sets up Goff on timing concepts off play-action. And just like we saw in L.A., Goff can find both second- and third-level windows. That will create volume opportunities for tight end T.J. Hockenson, while veteran free-agent additions at wide receiver — Tyrell Williams, Breshad Perriman and Kalif Raymond — can be schemed open on in-breakers and scripted deep shots. Rookie third-round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown adds another element to the offense, given his linear, smooth stride to create separation. The Lions also feature two backs with pass-catching traits in D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.
The reality is that the Lions don’t have great weapons overall, and if they’re going to win a few games, they need to run the ball well and for Goff to stay clean in the pocket.
How the Lions can help him: In addition to the early down play-action throws, Lynn can use more empty sets and pre-snap motion with Goff. That would allow Goff to identify coverage and get the ball out with speed from clean pockets to work inside combinations in the quick game.
Nation, how do you think Goff will fit with the Lions?
