W.G. Brady
Jared Goff Snubbed In Pro Football Focus QB Rankings
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently unveiled their preseason NFL quarterback rankings for the 2024 season, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff finds himself ranked lower than he deserves. This placement groups him in the “The Melting Pot of Starters” tier, which might raise some eyebrows considering his recent achievements.
Goff’s Position Among NFL Quarterbacks
Despite leading the Detroit Lions to an NFC Championship Game appearance and showcasing one of the best seasons of his career in 2023, Jared Goff’s ranking may seem surprisingly low. Here are the quarterbacks listed by PFF without their detailed evaluations:
TIER 1: MAHOMES
- 1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
TIER 2: THE ELITE
- 2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- 3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- 4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
TIER 3: POSTSEASON-CALIBER QBS
- 5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
- 6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
- 7. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
- 8. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
- 9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
- 10. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
TIER 4: THE MELTING POT OF STARTERS
- 11. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
- 12. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
- 13. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
- 14. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
- 15. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
- 16. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- 17. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
- 18. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
- 19. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Disrespecting Goff’s Achievements
It seems almost disrespectful and somewhat delusional of PFF not to recognize Jared Goff as a “Postseason-caliber” quarterback. Goff not only demonstrated high-level play throughout the regular season but also excelled in the playoffs, steering his team within a mere half of reaching the Super Bowl. His leadership and performance under pressure, especially in critical moments that define postseason caliber, underscore that his ranking might not fully reflect his capabilities and recent contributions to the Lions’ success.
PFF’s Evaluation Criteria
According to PFF, their ranking criteria for Goff included an impressive 85.2 passing grade in 2023, marking the highest of his career, and a low 2.4% turnover-worthy play percentage. However, they cited his performance under pressure and outside of structure as areas that “leave a lot to be desired,” compared to other top NFL quarterbacks. Despite these criticisms, Goff’s ability to command the offense and make pivotal plays has been evident.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Surprising Ranking: Despite leading the Detroit Lions to the NFC Championship Game and delivering an outstanding 2023 season, Jared Goff is ranked as the No. 16 quarterback by Pro Football Focus, placing him in the “The Melting Pot of Starters” tier.
- Underestimation of Postseason Capabilities: The ranking is seen as disrespectful by many, especially considering Goff’s proven track record in postseason scenarios, where he has demonstrated leadership and critical gameplay that should categorize him as a “Postseason-caliber” quarterback.
- Critical Reception: Pro Football Focus critiques Goff’s performance under pressure and outside structured play, despite his career-high passing grade and low turnover rate in 2023, sparking debates about the metrics used for quarterback evaluations.
Concluding Thoughts on Goff’s Ranking
The ranking raises questions about what metrics and moments weigh most in evaluating quarterback performance. For Lions fans and many football analysts, Goff’s recent seasons affirm his status as not just a starter, but a quarterback capable of navigating the rigors of the NFL playoffs and delivering performances that contend for championships. Whether PFF adjusts their evaluations in the future may depend on Goff’s continued performance, but for now, many would argue that his rank underestimates his impact on the field.
