The NFL season has kicked off. The Detroit Lions made a strong start by winning their season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Patrick Mahomes was the sole star player for the Chiefs, the Lions showcased multiple stars who emerged as heroes in Thursday night’s game. One standout was rookie Brian Branch, who had a memorable regular season debut, both influencing the game against Mahomes and experiencing an injury on the same day.
On the flip side, the Chiefs’ quarterback, often considered the next NFL GOAT, received numerous good luck wishes, including one from his wife at Arrowhead Stadium. However, there was an opposing player who displayed excellence similar to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. According to reports, Jared Goff, the somewhat forgotten Lions’ quarterback, is now moving closer to the legendary status of these two NFL icons.
Is Jared Goff the next Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers?
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According to NFL reporter James Palmer, the Lions’ quarterback is closing in on legendary stats comparable to those of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Palmer shared an insightful tweet stating, “Jared Goff has not thrown an INT on his last 359 pass attempts. Third-longest streak in NFL history behind Brady (399) and Rodger (402).” In the last game, Goff achieved the distinction of becoming the first player in Lions history and the third in NFL history to extend a streak of consecutive passes without an interception.
Jared Goff has not thrown an INT on his last 359 pass attempts. Third-longest streak in NFL history behind Brady (399) and Rodger (402)
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 8, 2023
Detroit restructured Goff’s contract this year, converting $20 million into a signing bonus, which will prorate at $5 million per year between 2021 and 2024. Now, with his impressive performance, Goff has likely earned the opportunity for further financial rewards and an extended tenure with the Lions in the future.
Read more: Moments Before Detroit Lions Showdown, Patrick Mahomes Hype Speech Goes Viral
However, it’s important to note that Goff is not the only player on the Lions team who emerged as a star in their season opener, there are others too.
Lions’ players who standout against Patrick Mahomes
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The Detroit Lions, once considered underdogs, ended the NFL’s second-longest active winless streak (0-4-1) in season openers by upsetting the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, with a 21-20 victory in the NFL season opener. This impressive win was made possible by some standout performances. Jared Goff set a historic record for consecutive passes without an interception and connected with seven different receivers, including newcomers Marvin Jones Jr., Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Amon-Ra St. Brown scored the game’s first touchdown and became the first Lions player with 200 receptions in his first three NFL seasons. He has proven to be Goff’s most reliable target since joining the Lions in 2021. Rookie defensive back Brian Branch made a big impact with a pick-six in the third quarter, benefiting from a Mahomes pass and Kadarius Toney’s slip, leading to a tie.
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Although Toney experienced a non-contact injury during the game, likely reported as cramps, he is expected to return to the field against the Seahawks in Week 2.
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