As the Detroit Lions prepare for the final stretch of the offseason and gear up for training camp, a bit of unexpected but welcome news has given quarterback Jared Goff a timely boost. While the buzz around NFL headlines is relatively quiet during this phase of the offseason, Goff’s recent recognition has stirred up positive energy for Lions fans and reinforces why the team continues to trust him as their leader under center.
Though he may not command the same highlight reels as superstars like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, Goff has been one of the most reliable and steady performers at his position. Over the past two seasons, he has played a central role in guiding the Lions to back-to-back winning seasons and playoff appearances—something the franchise had long struggled to achieve consistently.
Now, thanks to a detailed analysis by Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus (PFF), Goff is finally earning recognition for one of his most underappreciated skills: his effectiveness when holding the ball for over 2.5 seconds. In Cameron’s breakdown of top-performing quarterbacks in that time-to-throw window, Goff surprisingly ranked No. 9 in the NFL, with a passing grade of 77.5.
The stat may seem niche at first glance, but it’s a critical indicator of quarterback performance. Holding the ball for more than 2.5 seconds often requires greater awareness, poise in the pocket, and the ability to buy time for plays to develop—all skills Goff has been steadily improving throughout his time in Detroit.
Among the quarterbacks listed in the category, Lamar Jackson led the pack with a 95.0 grade, followed by names like Justin Herbert, Derek Carr, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Goff’s appearance alongside these elite names serves as proof that his game continues to grow in valuable ways.
Even more impressive is what Goff accomplished beyond just the grading metrics. According to Cameron, Goff “not only racked up the most yards per attempt on this list (9.7), but also paced the league in rate of accurately thrown balls (65.5%).” That accuracy under pressure and ability to connect deep downfield underscores Goff’s value, particularly in an offense that relies heavily on timing, precision, and route development.
Of course, a major storyline heading into the 2025 season is how Goff will adapt without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who played a crucial role in the quarterback’s resurgence. Johnson’s play-calling and creative schemes helped unlock the best version of Goff, but with his departure, the spotlight now turns to whether Goff can maintain that high level of performance independently.
Still, the latest data suggests that Goff is more than capable. His ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver accurately, even when plays take time to develop, puts him in a strong position to lead the Lions into another competitive season.
For Detroit fans and the organization alike, this recent recognition isn’t just a pleasant surprise—it’s a clear indication that Jared Goff is still ascending, and that the Lions’ faith in their quarterback remains well-placed heading into 2025.