Tuesday means the weekly NFL power polls get updated around the mediasphere. This week’s collection of the Detroit Lions rankings reflects a pretty consensus rankings status but a big divide on quarterback Jared Goff.
At USA TODAY, the Lions dropped two spots to 21st in the latest update. Interestingly, NFC North rivals Green Bay (22) and Chicago (23) immediately follow Detroit in the rankings. The Lions’ blurb is an interesting perspective on Goff,
QB Jared Goff might be in the MVP conversation if he could play all his games at Ford Field – where he’d be projected to throw for nearly 4,400 yards and 43 TDs over 17 games with a 102.6 passer rating.
Over at NFL.com, the Lions were one spot higher at No. 20. The Lions check in a little lower at ESPN, where Dan Campbell’s team ranks 23rd. Detroit fell to 24th in the Sporting News latest polling. Sportsnaut dropped the Lions to 20th after losing to the Bills. Their commentary veers strongly in the other direction regarding Goff,
The Detroit Lions’ record in one-score games might suggest it’s time to replace Dan Campbell. In reality, the first step is finding a franchise-caliber quarterback to take over for Jared Goff. Find the passer who can make the big throws in critical moments and lift the ceiling on this offense. Accomplish that and the Lions are a playoff contender.
There was a similar sentiment from Pro Football News, where Detroit sits at No. 23,
Detroit hung with Buffalo for four quarters, and the consistent battles they find themselves in despite their roster inadequacies should give fans hope for the future – one hopefully with a QB who can elevate those around him.
Jared Goff is playing some of the best football he has in years, and it should come as no surprise Detroit has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. He’s still a lost puppy when pressured, but the Lions’ pass protection isn’t allowing pressure as often.
One analyst sees Goff as having MVP potential, while two others strongly believe the Lions need to replace him to move upward. Where do you stand?
