“I wish I could’ve played a little better. Wish I could’ve taken care of the ball a little bit better,” Jared Goff said after the Lions‘ playoff loss, reflecting on a tough end to Detroit’s season. That sentiment, however, doesn’t change the reality: the pressure on Goff has never been higher. As key people begin to leave the team, Goff’s leadership will be crucial. The question remains: can he rise above this offseason turmoil and keep the Lions competitive, or will this playoff exit mark the start of a bigger downfall? And just when all the painful stuff was settling down, an NFL legend spoke his mind, and it was another shot.

Goff’s playoff struggles have intensified concerns about his ability to perform under pressure. Despite having a solid regular season, Goff was inconsistent in the postseason, notably shifting away from his strengths. “That’s why they kicked you out of LA because you wouldn’t take that risk,” NFL legend Michael Irvin pointed out. Irvin’s comment references Goff’s past reluctance to push the ball deep during his time with the LA Rams. Goff had a career-high 8.6 yards per attempt in 2024, showing his ability to make efficient plays during the regular season. However, in the playoffs, his attempt to force deep passes instead of sticking to short, reliable throws led to missed opportunities.

Irvin didn’t hold back, saying, “And you let those guys, the talent that looks like those guys, have to take that ball and run with it.” He’s calling out Jared Goff for not trusting his receivers when it mattered most. During the 2024 regular season, Goff was at his best when sticking to quick, short passes, especially to key guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown. But come playoff time, he started forcing deep throws that just didn’t vibe with the offense’s usual flow. The result? More incompletions, stalled drives, and a Lions team that couldn’t keep up.

Irvin didn’t just call out Goff—he also threw some love toward Jayden Daniels, saying, “The kid is simply simply special.” Irvin praised Daniels for staying cool under pressure and leading his team even when the defense wasn’t holding up. “He said maybe my defense can’t stop you. But your defense ain’t going to stop me now“. That’s exactly the kind of leadership Goff needs to show. After throwing two picks in the Lions’ playoff loss to the Chargers, Goff struggled to keep it together when things got tough. If he wants to prove he’s Detroit’s guy for the long haul, he’s got to bring that same calm and clutch play Daniels showed.

With the offseason set to shake up the roster, Jared Goff’s leadership will be more crucial than ever. As Irvin urged, “You got to stay who you are.” This means Goff must stick to what works for him – short, efficient throws, quick decision-making, and trust in his teammates. If he can bounce back and focus on these strengths, he could still lead Detroit to greater success. But if he continues to push outside his comfort zone, the Lions’ future with him at the helm might be in jeopardy.

Lions’ brain drain: Can Campbell hold the pride together?

The Detroit Lions are lowkey in shambles right now. With some major names from Dan Campbell’s squad peacing out for bigger roles. Offensive wizard Ben Johnson, the guy who had the Lions’ offense running like a cheat code, just dipped to become the head coach of the Raiders. Goff and the offense were straight-fire under him. Ranking at the top in many scoring metrics last season. So yeah, that loss stings bad.

And it doesn’t stop there. Terrell Williams, the dude who turned Detroit’s pass rush into a legit problem for opposing QBs, just got scooped up by the Patriots as their defensive coordinator. Oh, and Aaron Glenn? Gone too. He’s the Jets‘ new head coach. Glenn was the heart of the Lions’ defensive vibe, building beasts like Aidan Hutchinson and setting the tone for the squad. Losing both of these guys is a serious L.

Now it’s up to Dan Campbell to keep the ship afloat. Replacing Johnson, Glenn, and Williams all at once? That’s a big ask. The Lions just pulled off back-to-back playoff runs, but with these losses, it’s looking like their offseason is about to be a whole grind. The question is, can Campbell and the front office lock in the right replacements and keep the momentum alive?

This offseason is make-or-break for the Lions. They’ve got the talent to stay in the mix, but after losing so much brainpower. It’s on Campbell to show that Detroit isn’t just a one-hit wonder. Time to prove the Lions are built to last.