Taylor Decker: 'Ridiculous' Jared Goff Scapegoated
The Detroit Lions bounced back from a loss to the Chicago Bears, with a resounding blowout win over the Denver Broncos in Week 15.
A big reason for the team's success was quarterback Jared Goff, who tossed five touchdowns while avoiding the turnovers that have set the offense back in recent weeks.
Goff completed 24-of-34 yards for 278 yards and five touchdowns in Saturday's game. The Lions made the most of it, scoring on five consecutive drives midway through the game.
Taylor Decker, who is the most tenured member of the Lions (as a 2016 draft pick of the organization), saw the criticism being made of his starting quarterback following his recent struggles.
Speaking after Saturday's win, the Ohio State product voiced his displeasure for the way that the team's quarterback has been portrayed in recent weeks.
“Of course, we see that kind of stuff. For me to see people kind of using him as a scapegoat is kind of ridiculous," Decker said. "I mean, the guy has played some great football. There’s been times where we just need him to try and make a play, and maybe something happens that we don’t want to happen. He’s been the same guy week in and week out, so I mean, I don’t think him as a scapegoat was warranted whatsoever.
"It was ridiculous, honestly, I think. Because it’s a team game. There’s so many guys out there doing things. If I don’t do my job, it makes it harder on him," Decker continued. "There’s a trickle-down effect at every position. Just really happy for him. He was making some big-time throws, his communication at the line was awesome, his demeanor was great. I just couldn’t be more happy for him.”
Lions' superpower
Since Dan Campbell took over in 2021, the Lions have built a culture centered around competitiveness and resilience. That was on full display Saturday as the Lions dominated after suffering a disappointing loss against the Bears in Week 14.
Detroit's 29-year-old quarterback pointed out that this ability to bounce back has been a staple within team headquarters. In key stretches, like the one the Lions are in now, characteristics like this can be difference-making.
"Yeah, I think every team goes through that, but our superpower is how we respond. It starts with Dan, and then goes to me and through the offense and the coordinators, coaches, everybody," Goff explained. "Our superpower is how we respond as a team, as a unit, as a group. We've been through a lot of adversity as a group and a three game lull, one of three, is not the worst thing we've been through. So, being able to bounce back is something we've prided ourselves on, and tonight was a big one to bounce back with."
