Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, could see his players getting pumped up before kickoff on Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers. Campbell was present to dowse the room with fuel and boost the energy level, just like any effective motivator would.
Like any good head coach, Campbell also instructed quarterback Jared Goff to move to the side in order to maintain composure.
When questioned about Goff on Monday at his postseason press conference, Campbell responded, “That’s what he has to do for us. “Man, he needs to be the steadfast one. He cannot represent the ups and downs, highs and lows. Just maintain your composure and be that for your group.”
It’s because of that calming confidence Goff exudes both in the locker room and on the field that Campbell called him a perfect fit at quarterback for his football team.
Goff, according to Campbell, “suits us.” “He does, in fact. We focus on play-action passing and rushing the ball, which require a quarterback who can put you in the correct play while still being accurate and making sound decisions. He meets all of these criteria.”
Goff stated that this season was among his most satisfying in his career as the players took out their lockers, conducted their post-season exit interviews, and laid the 2022 season to rest on Monday. Goff played a significant role in this club’s ability to recover from a 1-6 start, finish 9-8, and become a playoff team that no one in the NFC wanted to face.
Goff completed 65.1% of his passes for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions in the last game of the season. His final passer rating of 99.3 was the third-highest of his career.
But more significant than all the figures is the fact that Goff has settled in Detroit. There is merit in being desired, and Goff is fully committed to the Lions and the culture Campbell, Holmes, and owner Sheila Hamp are fostering there.
This team is as great a group as I’ve ever been a part of, Goff said. “Maybe it’s being a prisoner of the moment,” Goff said. “It’s actually amazing how resilient and mentally tough this bunch is, including everyone in this room, the locker room, and the coaches. That will help us move forward and do more in the future. I’m really proud to be a part of it, to be able to call myself a leader of it, and to spend every day with these people. It’s quite humbling.”
It’s not easy to win over Lions supporters, but there’s no denying that Goff is the team’s captain right now and for the foreseeable future. Goff is aware of it and doesn’t take it for granted.
I’ve had a great time being here, he replied. “I adore the players and coaches, as well as Dan (Campbell). I can’t say enough good things about this team and these coaches. I enjoy leading this group. Being a part of it is wonderful. I enjoy competing for Dan. I enjoy performing for Brad. I enjoy performing for Sheila. Both the people and the environment are so unique. Field Ford. It all factors in. It’s a truly unique environment, and I love being there.”
