Why Panthers Need to Worry about Jared Goff
The Detroit Lions are riding high, sitting at 3-1 and in first place in the NFC North for the first time since the 2017 season.
Led by veteran quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions feature a top-10 offense through the first four weeks of the season. Among the highlights, they rank No. 8 in points scored (106), No. 8 in total yards (1,545), No. 9 in passing yards (999) and No. 10 in rushing yards (546).
Meanwhile, Goff, despite tossing an interception in three consecutive games, has experienced a solid start to his third year in Detroit. Thus far, he's completed a career-high 69.5 percent of his passes, and has recorded a career-best 68.9 QBR (the sixth-best mark in the NFL in 2023).
Additionally, after knocking off the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 4, the Lions head into a very favorable home matchup with the winless Carolina Panthers Sunday.
Through four games, the Panthers have allowed 25.5 points per game, the eighth-most points in the league.
It obviously bodes well for Detroit offensively, although Carolina has fared quite well against the pass this year.
In fact, the Panthers have allowed just 707 yards to opposing passers so far this season, the sixth-best mark in the league. They've also recorded at least one interception in three straight contests.
And just a week ago, Carolina stymied Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, limiting him to 139 yards and forcing two picks.
It shouldn't matter all that much for Goff, though, as he has excelled at Ford Field since joining the Lions in 2021.
In each of the last three seasons (counting 2023), he's completed at least 65.8 percent of his throws at the Lions' home field, including 73.5 percent of his passes in two games this year. Additionally, he's never thrown more than three interceptions in a single season at Ford Field.
Goff has also recorded a passer rating of at least 99.5 each of the last three years at Ford Field. This includes a passer rating of 105.4 so far this year.
On top of all that, Goff & Co. have revenge on their minds going into Sunday, as a result of dropping a late-season contest to the Panthers a season ago. The loss – a 37-23 beatdown from Carolina – ultimately kept Detroit out of the playoffs in 2023.
"It's a game we needed last year, and they kicked our butts," Goff said of the loss.
The eighth-year pro undoubtedly steps up his level of play at home, and it's a major reason why the Panthers, despite their pass defense prowess, should be worried about stopping the veteran signal-caller on Sunday.
