Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions’ star quarterback, has long been a figure surrounded by scrutiny, especially following his trade from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Once seen as the centerpiece of the Rams’ offense, Goff’s performance in Los Angeles became a subject of debate, particularly after a tough Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots in 2019. Goff’s journey, however, has taken a turn in Detroit, where he has found renewed confidence, improved his play, and helped bring the Lions back into playoff contention.
Despite his progress, Goff still faces questions from critics who believe he’s not the elite quarterback capable of leading a championship-caliber team. But in a recent interview, the 29-year-old quarterback had a simple, yet powerful message for his doubters: “I’m just getting started.”
In just four words, Goff succinctly captured his mindset as he heads into the final stretch of the season. These four words serve as a declaration not just to his critics, but to the world — Goff is confident in his abilities and is far from being done in his quest to prove himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
Jared Goff’s Journey to Detroit
When Goff was traded to the Lions in 2021, many viewed the deal as a sideways move at best. The Rams had made it to a Super Bowl with him at quarterback, but many thought his ceiling was limited. The Lions, on the other hand, were in the midst of a complete rebuild, and Goff, who had spent his entire career under Sean McVay’s tutelage in Los Angeles, was viewed as a temporary placeholder for the struggling franchise.
In his first season with Detroit, Goff was solid, but not spectacular. The Lions finished with a 3-13-1 record, and Goff threw for 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. It was clear that Goff was still a serviceable quarterback, but the Lions’ struggles on both sides of the ball kept the team from competing for playoff spots. While the Lions’ offense showed flashes of potential under Goff, the team’s inability to win close games highlighted the need for further improvements.
But as the 2022 season progressed, a change began to take shape. The Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, began to find their footing. Goff, now in his second year with the team, began to improve in several key areas. His chemistry with his receiving corps grew, his decision-making sharpened, and his overall comfort in the offense blossomed. The Lions finished the 2022 season with a 9-8 record, a huge improvement from the previous year, and Goff played a pivotal role in their offensive resurgence.
The Goff Renaissance
Heading into 2023, the pressure on Goff remained high. Many expected the Lions to be a dark horse contender in the NFC, and if Goff was going to fulfill that promise, he would need to elevate his game to a higher level. This season, he has done just that. Through Week 14, Goff has amassed 3,555 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. His performance has helped the Lions stay in the thick of the playoff race, and his numbers have put him in the conversation for a potential Pro Bowl spot.
What stands out most about Goff’s performance in 2023 is his ability to thrive in key moments. The Lions have had several games this season that have come down to the wire, and Goff has consistently risen to the occasion. Whether it’s a last-minute drive or converting critical third downs, Goff has shown that he can perform under pressure. Perhaps most impressively, Goff has done all of this without the support of an elite defense. The Lions’ defense has struggled at times, meaning Goff’s offense has often been asked to carry the load.
A Shift in Perception
The NFL world has certainly taken notice of Goff’s growth. When he was traded to the Lions, many viewed him as a quarterback who had reached his peak and was simply a bridge until the team found their next franchise signal-caller. That narrative has begun to change. Goff has demonstrated that he’s capable of leading an offense to success, even without the star-studded roster he had in Los Angeles. He’s also proven that his struggles in the Super Bowl weren’t indicative of his long-term potential, but rather the growing pains of a young quarterback.
While Goff has undoubtedly benefited from having a strong supporting cast in Detroit, including the explosive running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and a group of talented wide receivers led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, it is impossible to ignore how much he has grown as a leader. His ability to manage games, protect the ball, and make critical throws at the right time has made him a more complete quarterback than many gave him credit for in the past.
The Four-Word Message
Despite all of his success and growth, Goff knows that he has yet to truly prove himself on the grand stage. The ultimate measure of success for any quarterback is winning championships, and Goff is aware that a Super Bowl victory is still the primary objective. However, his four-word message to doubters is not just about winning the title — it’s a statement about his continued development and his belief that there is more to come.
“I’m just getting started.”
These four words are more than just a declaration of confidence; they are a reminder that Goff has the potential to evolve even further. He’s not content with merely being a competent starter in the NFL. Instead, he’s setting his sights on becoming one of the league’s elite quarterbacks — a leader capable of guiding a team to greatness.
In some ways, Goff’s statement is a response to the critics who have written him off over the years. Many questioned whether he could succeed outside of McVay’s system, but Goff has answered those questions with his play on the field. Still, Goff understands that the road ahead will require continued improvement. He’s not satisfied with the progress he’s made, and he’s pushing himself and his team to go even further.
What’s Next for Goff?
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions. With their young core of talent and a coaching staff that has brought out the best in Goff, the Lions have the potential to make serious noise in the NFC for years to come. As Goff continues to improve, his four-word message will serve as a reminder of the hunger and determination that drives him. He’s not finished yet — in fact, he believes his best football is still ahead of him.
For the doubters, Goff’s words are a challenge: Don’t count him out. He’s just getting started.
In the competitive world of the NFL, where quarterbacks are constantly judged and scrutinized, it’s refreshing to see a player like Jared Goff confidently embracing his potential. Whether or not he achieves a Super Bowl win in the future, Goff’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and belief in oneself. And as for the doubters, Goff’s four-word message says it all: Get ready for what’s coming next.
