Jared Goff Preparing for 'Dangerous' Micah Parsons
Navigating the Dallas Cowboys defense will be a tough task for Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
The veteran quarterback has played two consecutive strong games, throwing six touchdowns against no interceptions while leading the team to two wins.
Now, he's tasked with facing another of the league's best defenses. Edge rusher Micah Parsons has established himself amongst the game's elite this season, notching 13.0 sacks this season along with a fumble recovery and 15 tackles for loss.
He made a significant impact the last time these two teams squared off, in Week 7 of last season. Parsons recorded six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the Cowboys' 24-6 win.
What makes Parsons' unique is his versatility, as the Cowboys can deploy him in a number of ways. Because of this, the Lions will have to adjust to his positioning on the field in order to be successful.
“Yeah, moves around quite a bit. I think that’s their advantage with him, is that they can move him around," Goff explained. "They can put him off the ball, they can put him on the ball, they can stand him up over the middle. They do a bunch of stuff with him. He’s a dangerous player, he’s a great player, he can do a hell of a lot and we’ve got to be aware of where he’s at.”
The Cowboys' secondary poses just as much of a threat, even without Trevon Diggs. When Diggs was lost for the season with a torn ACL, Daron Bland stepped in and has been a difference maker.
Bland has eight interceptions this season, five of which have been returned for touchdowns. The defender has 13 career interceptions in 32 games and demonstrates a knack for finding the football.
“He’s very opportunistic. He makes those plays when they come his way, and he does seem to take them all back to the house," Goff said. "It’s a good thing to do as a defensive back but yeah, he’s played well. He’s made plays on the ball, he’s got great ball skills. I think he’s got the NFL record, right? For most taken back. It’s incredible. It’s a good testament to the type of player he is, and yeah, he’s got great ball skills.”
As a whole, Dallas' defense has 13 interceptions this year. With their blend of pass rush and coverage, with both units boasting playmakers, Goff and company are in for a challenge Saturday.
However, the Lions have played well in consecutive weeks against stout defenses in Denver and Minnesota. As a result, the offense is brimming with confidence ahead of the Week 17 tilt.
"Yeah, sure. I think it seems like every week for the last handful of weeks, we're just looking at every defense's turnover stats, how good they are around the ball," Goff explained. "And then we come in and we've had two games in a row now with taking care of the ball pretty well. So yeah, it'll carry into this one, certainly. But it's something we're always conscious of, is taking care of the ball and giving our team the best chance to win. But this defense is good and we've got our work cut out."
A key for the Lions success offensively in recent weeks has been Jameson Williams. He's totaled nine receptions in the last two games after not recording more than two catches in a game throughout the previous nine.
His emergence has plenty to do with building trust throughout the offense. Now, Goff trusts him just as he does any other receiver.
“He’s worked himself into that role. I trust him on really everything he’s doing now,” Goff said. “He’s done a hell of a job getting himself there. Again, it’s just reps, just time. He’s still a young player. He’s still learning and growing. He just keeps doing this every week. It’s exciting for me, it’s exciting for our offense.”
