Dan Campbell has message for Jared Goff prior to Week 1 matchup vs. Chiefs
After winning eight of their final ten games to end the 2022 season, the hype surrounding the Detroit Lions has never been higher. Not only are the Lions favored to win their division for the first time since the 1993 season, but many believe they are a true contender in the NFC. In order for Detroit to win the NFC North (and more), quarterback Jared Goff is going to have to ball out like he did in 2022. On Friday, Dan Campbell spoke to reporters and while doing so, he had a little message for Goff.
What did Dan Campbell Say about Jared Goff?
Campbell talked about how Goff is a piece of the puzzle, and how the Lions don't need him to be a Hall of Fame quarterback for the team to win football games.
“Yeah, look, I think for us,” Campbell said, “you’ve heard me say this: I tell Goff, man, he’s very much a piece of the puzzle here. He’s not — it’s not the end-all be-all. ‘We don’t need you to be a Hall of Fame quarterback out there. We just need you to run the offense, be efficient, make the throws that are there, be accurate when you pass,’ — because that’s what he does well.”
Campbell's message for Goff
Goff did not throw an interception during the final nine games of the 2022 season (324 passes without a pick), and it is crucial for him to take care of the football in 2023, but that does not mean Campbell does not want him to take some shots. Campbell's message for Goff: ‘Cut it loose.'
“We don’t really talk in terms of, ‘Be smart, be smart,’ because I think you … can create a little fear if you’re not careful. So, for us, it’s, ‘Hey, the play’s there, you know what to do. We’ve repped it out (in practice), now cut it loose. Play football.’”
TL;DR (too long didn't read)
- Role Clarification: Coach Dan Campbell emphasized that while Jared Goff is an integral part of the Detroit Lions, he doesn't have to be a Hall of Fame quarterback for the team to succeed. Goff's primary role is to efficiently run the offense and be accurate with his throws, which are his strengths.
- Impressive Streak: Jared Goff maintained a notable streak in the 2022 season, where he did not throw an interception in the last nine games, amounting to 324 passes without a pick. This level of ball security is crucial for the team's continued success in 2023.
- Encouragement to Play Freely: Despite the importance of taking care of the football, Campbell's message for Goff is to “Cut it loose.” Rather than constantly reminding him to be overly cautious, Campbell wants Goff to trust his training and instincts, taking shots when appropriate, and playing the game without fear.
Bottom Line: Be Smart and Have NO FEAR!
One of the biggest reasons why the Lions won eight of their final ten games to conclude the 2022 season was the efficient play of Jared Goff. There is no question about it that Goff will have to limit his interceptions once again in 2023, but for the Lions to really open up the offense, he will also have to be willing to take his shots and play without fear. Goff's first challenge will come on Thursday Night Football during the Lions Week 1 matchup against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
