As the Detroit Lions move into the 2025 season, all eyes are on quarterback Jared Goff, who will take on a more prominent role in managing and controlling the Lions’ offense. After a series of seasons in which Goff has shown steady improvement and built strong chemistry with his teammates, the team’s coaching staff is poised to give him more responsibility in directing the offensive play calling and decision-making processes. This shift is not only a natural progression in Goff’s development but also a testament to the confidence the Lions’ front office and coaching staff have in his ability to lead the team to success.
Jared Goff’s journey in Detroit has been an interesting one. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Goff faced skepticism and uncertainty. Many questioned whether he could thrive outside of the Rams’ high-powered system and whether he would be the right fit for the rebuilding Lions. However, Goff’s strong performances, combined with his leadership and growth in offensive coordination under head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, have made it clear that he is the quarterback of the future for Detroit.
In 2025, Goff is expected to have much more offensive control than ever before. This increased responsibility will not only shape the direction of the Lions’ offense but will also serve as a critical factor in determining how the team performs this season and beyond. This article will explore how Jared Goff’s role within the Lions’ offense will evolve, why he’s ready for more control, and the implications of this change for the Lions’ offense and their Super Bowl aspirations.
A Look Back: Jared Goff’s Growth in Detroit
Before delving into the specifics of the upcoming season, it’s essential to reflect on Jared Goff’s development in Detroit. When the Lions traded for Goff, they were taking a gamble. Goff was coming off a rough season with the Rams in 2020, during which he struggled to find consistency. The trade was seen by many as a necessary step for the Lions in their rebuild, with Goff acting as a bridge quarterback while they assessed their long-term future.
However, over the course of his first two seasons in Detroit, Goff has shown significant improvement. Under Dan Campbell’s leadership and the guidance of Ben Johnson, Goff was able to rediscover the rhythm and confidence that made him a former number-one overall pick in 2016. In 2023, Goff enjoyed one of his best seasons, posting career-high statistics in terms of completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio. He displayed both accuracy and poise in the pocket, while also showcasing his ability to handle a more traditional, run-first offense.
This growth was amplified by the surrounding talent. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the top young wideouts in the NFL, and the addition of versatile running back Jahmyr Gibbs has given Goff more weapons to work with. The offensive line, led by stalwart tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, also provided him with the protection he needed to execute the offense effectively.
While Goff has been solid, his control over the offense has largely been dictated by the game plan designed by the coaching staff. The Lions have leaned on a balanced attack, with an emphasis on the running game to establish a rhythm and limit Goff’s risk. While this approach has worked, it has also limited Goff’s ability to fully display his capabilities as a quarterback who can manage and manipulate an offense in the same way top-tier quarterbacks do.
In 2025, however, that’s set to change.
Why Jared Goff is Ready for More Offensive Control
1. Maturity and Confidence
One of the key factors in giving Jared Goff more control over the offense is his growth as a leader. Over the past two seasons, Goff has proven that he is more than just a game manager—he’s a player capable of leading his team in critical moments. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been a stabilizing force for the Lions, who have often relied on him in key moments.
Goff’s maturity has been evident in his ability to make smart decisions, even under pressure. He’s been able to read defenses, adjust at the line of scrimmage, and execute plays with accuracy and poise. His comfort with the offense and the understanding of the game plan have allowed him to dictate the flow of the game when needed, even without full control over playcalling. By 2025, Goff’s understanding of the nuances of the offense will be at its peak, making him the perfect candidate to have more input in terms of the Lions’ offensive direction.
2. Chemistry with Offensive Weapons
Over the last few seasons, Jared Goff has developed excellent chemistry with his key offensive weapons. Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, has been a reliable target for Goff, capable of creating separation and making big plays. With a deep understanding of St. Brown’s tendencies and route running, Goff is now in a position to maximize his playmaking ability.
Additionally, the inclusion of Jahmyr Gibbs as both a running back and pass-catching weapon has given Goff another versatile option in the backfield. Gibbs has shown the ability to make plays in open space, and Goff’s rapport with him will allow for more designed screen plays, checkdowns, and quick-hitting passes that exploit Gibbs’ strengths.
On the offensive line, Goff has consistently been well-protected by Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and others, allowing him the time to read defenses, make adjustments, and go through his progressions. This protection is key in allowing Goff to take greater control of the offense and operate at a faster pace if needed. The continuity in the offensive line will be crucial in enabling Goff to effectively manage the offense.
3. Ben Johnson’s Offensive Growth
Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, has rapidly become one of the most respected minds in the NFL. His innovative play designs, coupled with his ability to adapt and evolve with the personnel on hand, has been a significant reason for the Lions’ offensive success. Johnson’s creative playcalling and willingness to mix traditional concepts with modern innovations have made the offense difficult to predict and execute against.
By 2025, Johnson will have likely fine-tuned his system even further, tailoring it to Goff’s strengths and allowing him to be more of a field general. Johnson has already demonstrated a level of trust in Goff, allowing him to make audibles and adjustments at the line of scrimmage. As the two continue to build on their rapport, Goff will gain more freedom in how the offense operates. Johnson’s trust in Goff’s decision-making will allow him to take more ownership of the playbook and dictate how the offense flows during a game.
4. Increased Offensive Responsibility
In 2025, the Lions’ offense will likely be designed to lean more on Goff’s arm and decision-making ability. As the team continues to progress, it’s essential to have a quarterback who can take charge and make adjustments mid-game. Whether it’s recognizing defensive coverages, making audibles at the line, or changing the tempo, Goff is now at the point where he can take greater ownership of these tasks.
Goff’s ability to manage the clock and keep the offense balanced will also be crucial. In close games, the ability to shift between a fast-paced aerial attack and a ball-control, run-heavy approach will put immense pressure on opposing defenses. Goff will play a key role in balancing these two strategies, ensuring that the Lions’ offense remains unpredictable and difficult to stop.
5. Super Bowl Aspirations
For the Lions, 2025 is a pivotal year. After years of rebuilding, they are now in a position where they can realistically contend for a Super Bowl. To achieve that goal, the team needs more than just solid performances from their quarterback—they need a quarterback who can elevate the team’s play and perform at the highest level. Goff has shown glimpses of this over the past few seasons, but in 2025, he’ll be expected to take that next step as a leader.
Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks are often those who have control over the offense, not just from a mechanical standpoint, but from a mental one as well. Goff will need to be able to read defenses, make adjustments, and, most importantly, execute in critical moments. By giving him more control over the offense, the Lions are signaling their confidence in his ability to take them to the next level.
The Impact of Goff’s Increased Control
As Jared Goff gains more control over the offense in 2025, there will be several key impacts:
1. Better Offensive Flow
By allowing Goff more input, the Lions’ offense is likely to become more fluid. With Goff calling the shots, he will be able to establish a rhythm faster, make adjustments on the fly, and keep defenses on their heels.
2. Increased Scoring Potential
Goff’s ability to make quick decisions and stretch the field vertically will open up more scoring opportunities. His chemistry with playmakers like St. Brown, Gibbs, and tight end Sam LaPorta will allow for more explosive plays and quick-strike capabilities.
3. Reduced Risk of Turnovers
With more control, Goff will have more opportunities to make smart decisions and reduce the risk of turnovers. His understanding of when to take calculated risks and when to play conservatively will result in fewer mistakes.
4. Playoff Success
Ultimately, the Lions’ chances of success in the postseason will hinge on Goff’s ability to control the offense. In big games, quarterbacks who can control the pace and manage critical situations are the ones who lead their teams to victory. Goff’s increased control will position the Lions to make a deep playoff run in 2025.