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Analysis: The Lions are the real deal because Jared Goff has become a top-tier QB again

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) rolls out to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

By ROB MAADDI / AP Pro Football Writer 5 min read

The Detroit Lions are legitimate contenders in the NFC because Jared Goff has become a top-tier quarterback again.

The 2016 No. 1 overall pick who once led the Rams to an NFC title was given away by Los Angeles in the trade for Matthew Stafford. The Rams had to send Detroit extra picks just to take Goff and his salary.

But Goff has gone from a stopgap QB to a Pro Bowl player, helping the Lions to a 5-1 start. He has 1,618 yards passing with 11 TDs, 3 interceptions and a 105.1 passer rating in six games. Last season, he had 29 TD passes and only seven picks.

“It’s awesome playing with someone like Goff,” wideout Jameson Williams said. “He gets it done and makes the right decisions all the time and we (are) just looking to keep going right now.”

In Detroit’s impressive 20-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Goff threw for 353 yards and two TDs with no turnovers against a tough defense that had extra time to prepare for him after a bye.