Why Jared Goff is primed for a big year in 2022
This is a huge year for Jared Goff.
2016’s number one overall pick came under scrutiny for some of his performances during his first season as Detroit Lions quarterback. But there is renewed hope he can rejuvenate the Lions offence following a promising offseason.
The former Los Angeles Rams quarterback struggled to make an impact for the majority of last season. He was sacked 35 times, the most since he began his NFL career six years ago.
Goff also threw just 19 touchdowns in 14 games. This is the fewest touchdowns Goff has tossed since his rookie year.
In his defence, Goff didn’t have many offensive weapons to aim at and, as a result, he struggled massively. In the opening games of last season, it was clear Goff was lacking confidence and he was mainly playing his passes safe and utilising reliable running back, D’Andre Swift.
It isn’t like the Lions have a bad offensive line either. The introduction of Penei Sewell last season helped to in fact improve it further.
Goff was just struggling to make an impact. As a result, the Lions had to rely hugely on their defence and closing out games in 2021 was a major problem for Dan Campbell’s franchise.
So, why then should the Lions put their trust in Goff in 2022?
Strong end to 2021
Towards the end of last season, Goff proved he does have the talent to compete with the best in the NFL and gained a strong rapport with rookie fourth rounder, Amon-Ra St. Brown. Goff first utilised St. Brown in their first victory of the season, as the Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 29-27 in week 11.
It did take them 11 games to claim their first victory, but it was worth the wait to see what Goff could do when he does put trust in his receivers.
The win over the Vikings was the first glimpse we saw of how talented Amon-Ra St. Brown is, as he finished on 10 receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown.
Goff then went on to make St. Brown his prime receiver, which saw the duo earn two more impressive victories against the Arizona Cardinals and divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Tight end TJ Hockenson was also a big target for Goff throughout last season, and the Iowa Hawkeyes product finished the season with 61 receptions, 583 yards and four touchdowns.
For a player of Hockenson’s talent, you could arguably say he should be targeted more. For the 2022 campaign, Campbell may decide to involve the talented 24-year-old more often in the Lions offence.
New, youthful receiving core to aim this year
The Lions have been busy this offseason. They’ve added some really talented receivers to their offence which will no doubt give Goff some confidence heading into the new campaign.
They first acquired DJ Chark from the Jacksonville Jaguars and the former LSU product could potentially link up well with the Lions quarterback.
Chark is a great route runner and despite his injury woes last season in Jacksonville, the 25-year-old is a gifted playmaker. During his best season with the Jaguars in 2019, he scored eight touchdowns and had 1,008 yards from 73 receptions.
He is also extremely quick and agile. Chark offers a different dimension which will give Goff another receiver to aim at in the upcoming season.
The Lions were also extremely effective in the 2022 NFL Draft. Although they took a risk by moving up from 32 to 12, it paid dividends, as they managed to select Alabama star Jameson Williams, one of the most talented players in the entire draft.
Williams unfortunately ended the season by tearing his ACL during the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Alabama went onto lose that game 33-18 to Georgia. It was a massive shame for Williams following a sensational season at Crimson Tide.
During the 15 games Williams played, he managed to acquire 1,572 yards from 79 receptions, which resulted in 15 touchdowns. Although it is a risk with Williams currently recovering from an ACL injury, the acquisition is one worth taking.
He and Goff will have to gain an understanding, but Williams’ physique and acceleration will cause any defence in the NFL problems.
Goff needs to take control
He’s got the weapons to aim for and the playmakers in front of him to make a difference. Now, Goff just needs to remain calm and in control and let the offensive-line do its job when the ball is snapped.
There were far too many occasions where Goff would panic last season and he would often look for the easy option. It is essential Goff doesn’t get caught up in the moment as well, because the offensive line was effective for the Lions last season.
Goff just didn’t seem to realise the amount of time he had to throw the ball in the pocket, and this is something he certainly needs to work on ahead of the new season.
If Goff utilises his receivers and uses the experience he has at his disposal and remains composed, he has the potential to prove his doubters wrong. The 27-year-old will be looking to hit the ground running against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field in the season opener on the 11th of September.
Now is his chance to shine, and he has to take it.
