As the Detroit Lions continue to build on their success under head coach Dan Campbell, one of the most significant developments in recent seasons has been the evolution of quarterback Jared Goff. Once seen as a quarterback with limitations, Goff has managed to silence many of his critics, leading the Lions to a promising future in the NFC. However, despite his growth and the team’s offensive strides, Campbell believes there is still more for Goff to prove. According to Campbell, the next step for Goff is taking even more ownership of the offense, especially as the Lions continue their journey toward becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Jared Goff’s first season in Detroit was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of brilliance, but there were moments when his play faltered, leaving doubts about whether he could be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Lions. However, as Goff entered his second year with the team, he started to settle into his role and truly take command of the offense. Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offense took off, with Goff playing a key role in orchestrating an efficient passing attack.

As the 2023 season unfolded, Goff’s play improved dramatically. He displayed better decision-making, increased accuracy, and an ability to lead his team down the field in critical moments. The Lions finished the season with a top-10 offense, and Goff was at the center of their offensive resurgence. Yet, despite these individual and collective improvements, Campbell sees the next step for Goff as one that requires him to take even more control of the offense.

Ownership of the Offense: What It Means for Goff

For Campbell, taking ownership of the offense is about more than just making good throws and managing the game. It’s about developing a deeper connection with his teammates, particularly his offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs. Ownership means Goff becoming the unquestioned leader of the offense, not just through his play but through his mentality and approach.

In previous seasons, Goff has shown he can manage an offense effectively, but the next level of growth is about being proactive and driving the success of the unit, especially when the game is on the line. Campbell believes that Goff can take the reins in more critical situations—whether it’s making audibles at the line of scrimmage, keeping the offense moving when the defense is stifling them, or taking risks that could lead to game-changing plays.

For Goff, ownership also means growing into more of a vocal leader in the huddle, taking control of the tempo, and establishing the kind of rhythm that can wear down opposing defenses. As Campbell has noted in past press conferences, quarterbacks who take full ownership of the offense often exhibit a level of confidence that inspires the entire team to rally around them, especially in high-pressure situations. The challenge for Goff is to harness this leadership quality while continuing to execute on the field.

The Role of Ben Johnson in Goff’s Development

Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Goff has made substantial strides, and Johnson has played a crucial role in helping the quarterback grow both mentally and physically. The synergy between the two has been evident as the offense began to show more consistency and explosiveness. Johnson’s innovative approach, which incorporates a balanced attack, dynamic passing concepts, and a strong commitment to the run game, has provided Goff with a solid foundation to succeed.

However, Johnson’s system is not just about putting the quarterback in favorable situations; it’s also about pushing the quarterback to take ownership of his decisions. For Goff, this means being able to read defenses, recognize mismatches, and trust his instincts to make the right play. Johnson’s offense demands quick thinking and quick decision-making from the quarterback, something that Goff has improved upon dramatically in recent seasons.

While Johnson has been an important mentor for Goff, the next step is for the quarterback to take full responsibility for what happens on the field. Johnson’s offense has empowered Goff to be more aggressive, take shots downfield, and make smarter decisions, but ownership means understanding when to deviate from the script to make a big play or change the flow of the game. Goff’s ability to do this consistently could elevate the Lions’ offense to a level where they’re not just relying on scheme but on the quarterback’s instincts and leadership.

Building Chemistry with Playmakers

As Goff takes more ownership of the offense, building chemistry with his playmakers becomes crucial. The Lions have an exciting group of offensive weapons, led by wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as one of the league’s most dynamic running backs in Jahmyr Gibbs. These players offer tremendous upside, but it’s up to Goff to develop a deeper connection with them to maximize their potential.

St. Brown emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in 2023, and his rapport with Goff has been evident. The two have developed a quick and effective understanding, often connecting on timely throws in critical situations. Williams, who struggled to make a major impact in his rookie season due to injury, has the potential to be a game-changing deep threat. Goff must continue to work on timing and trust with Williams to unlock his full potential as a field-stretching option.

Gibbs, the rookie running back, presents a different challenge for Goff. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in space, Gibbs is a player who can create explosive plays both as a ball carrier and a pass catcher. Goff must develop a comfort level in getting the ball to Gibbs in a variety of ways, both out of the backfield and in the passing game, to help make the offense more unpredictable.

Additionally, the offensive line, which showed significant improvement in 2023, will play a vital role in Goff’s ability to take ownership of the offense. A strong offensive line allows a quarterback to feel comfortable in the pocket, make more calculated decisions, and take the necessary time to survey the field. Goff’s growth as a quarterback will be directly tied to his ability to trust his protection and stay patient while waiting for plays to develop. As the offensive line continues to gel, Goff will have more opportunities to take charge of the offense.

Key Areas for Goff to Focus On

As Goff looks to take more ownership of the offense, there are several key areas where he must continue to improve.

1. Confidence in High-Pressure Situations: One of the defining traits of top-tier quarterbacks is their ability to excel under pressure. Goff has shown the ability to make clutch throws, but he must continue to develop the mental toughness needed to perform in the most intense moments of the game.

2. Decision-Making in the Red Zone: Red zone efficiency is one of the most critical areas for any offense. Goff needs to ensure that he continues to make smart decisions when the field gets compressed, especially when the defense is playing aggressively. Taking ownership means recognizing when to take risks and when to check down to keep the offense on schedule.

3. Timing and Rhythm: Goff has been effective when he is able to get into a rhythm, but there are times when he can struggle with consistency, particularly when facing aggressive defenses. Maintaining timing with his receivers and staying in a rhythm will be essential for continued success.

4. Taking Control of the Run Game: While the Lions have a strong running game, Goff has an opportunity to take more control of the offense by making audibles and adjustments at the line of scrimmage. He must be able to read the defense and know when to lean more on the run or pass to exploit the defense’s weaknesses.

Conclusion

Jared Goff has come a long way since his early days in Detroit, and under the leadership of Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, he has proven that he can be the quarterback to lead the Lions back to prominence. However, as the Lions look to take the next step toward playoff contention and possibly a Super Bowl, Goff’s development into a true leader and quarterback who takes complete ownership of the offense is paramount. With the right support system around him and continued growth in his leadership, Goff has the potential to lead the Lions to new heights in 2024 and beyond.

Campbell’s belief that Goff needs to take more ownership of the offense is rooted in the understanding that, as a quarterback, success is not just about executing plays, but about elevating the entire offense. If Goff can fully embrace this next phase in his growth, the Detroit Lions could very well be on their way to a championship-contending team.