Jared Goff reveals why Lions could have a big Week 5 advantage over Bengals
The Detroit Lions know all too well the perils of an NFL schedule, and as they come off a short week, they shift to a wounded opponent also set to go through the same logistical issues.
In Week 3, the Lions defeated the Baltimore Ravens in a physical, emotional Monday Night Football game. Then, they had to abruptly shift focus and prepare for the Cleveland Browns, one of the league's best defenses.
You'll have to excuse them if they don't feel badly for the Cincinnati Bengals, then, as they get set to do a similar thing in Week 5. The Bengals sustained an ugly 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos Monday and had to fly back east on short rest to prepare for a home game with the tough Lions.
Jared Goff knows all too well the difficulties of Monday Night games and short weeks. Joining "Karsch and Anderson" on 97.1 The Ticket, he explained what Cincinnati faces, and revealed why everything feels slightly off on such a short week.
"You're just a little bit behind. There's no way around it. It's just the math of it. I don't know what time they landed, but they're starting on us now in theory and we started yesterday. It was the same thing for Cleveland last week and we were a day behind. It sucks."
More than anything mentally, the physical challenge is the biggest stumbling block in Goff's mind. The week starts off with a lack of sleep, and preparation is quickly cramped, putting a team in a difficult spot.
"The hardest part is you're tired. For us, landing from Baltimore, (we) got home at 4:30 in the morning and you're expected to go to sleep and wake up at whatever time and get back to work. It's not ideal, but everyone in the league has to deal with it and we got ours out of the way last week and now they're dealing with it this week."
The Bengals are a very bruised 2-2, coming in with a critical injury to quarterback Joe Burrow that has challenged their roster. That combined with a short week could set up an ideal situation for the Lions to pounce and remain hot.
Goff looking more fleet of foot in 2025 to quietly help Lions' offense
In addition to the schedule, there's another subtle thing that could give the Lions an advantage as they get set to get back on the road. Goff has been able to extend the play in the pocket a bit better than usual in 2025 due to his shocking fleetness of foot.
As Goff explained, he has focused on moving around and improving his foot speed as it relates to escaping in multiple different offseasons. Even if it seems as if he is much better this season, he hasn't put any more or less focus on the trait in terms of his preparation lately.
"I'm always working on that. I don't know if it's something I put more emphasis on this year rather than others. I'm always trying to get better at that through the offseason and different training ways and working on my foot speed and quickness in the pocket. I'm obviously not going to run for a ton of yards, but if I can keep my feet hot and move around the pocket quickly, it helps us."
This week, Goff is going to have deftness in the pocket with Trey Hendrickson bearing down on him up front. Last week, he had to deal with Myles Garrett and did a good job. Hendrickson will pose a similar challenge this time around no matter how good a resurgent offensive line is playing.
Perhaps the Lions will be able to count on a little less gas in the tank from the Bengals to help them over the top on the road. If that's the case, the schedule makers could be the biggest culprits.
Drew Brees could play a unique role in the Saints beating the rival Falcons in Week 12 without even taking a snap for New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints are well rested after their bye week, but there is plenty of work left to be done this season. Kellen Moore's team won their last game, led by Tyler Shough. Now, they will try to fend off an Atlanta Falcons team that is struggling and may be without their starting quarterback in Week 12.
For a game filled with plenty of emotion, that piece of the puzzle may only get turned up even further. Drew Brees has made his return to announcing NFL games, and it sounds like he may call this Saints-Falcons battle this weekend.
Drew Brees set to call Saints-Falcons matchup for FOX in Week 12
The former Saints QB is an option to be on call for the rivalry matchup after returning to the booth during the Saints' bye week. Brees was met with mixed reviews during his Week 11 performance for the New York Giants-Green Bay Packers game, but he deserves plenty of time to find his football and improve as a broadcaster. Would be a great opportunity for both Brees and Saints fans.
According to Crescent City Sports, Brees will reportedly be in the booth for New Orleans' Nov. 23 game against the Falcons in the Caesars Superdome. That will be finalized and confirmed on Wednesday when the FOX broadcast map is released online. Brees is set to announce alongside Adam Amin, his expected duo for the foreseeable future. Kristina Pink will handle the sideline reporting duties for FOX in those games with them.
With New Orleans as their quarterback, Brees went 16-9 against Atlanta. There were plenty of high-scoring matchups in the series with him as the Saints starter.
Overall in his career, Brees was 19-10 versus the Falcons. Brees totaled a passer rating of 97.1 with 8,695 yards, 54 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions in those matchups.
Now, he will look to bring the Saints a bit of good luck as he continues this new era of his football career. He is surely excited to get another chance in the booth after his first attempt was cut far too short. Make sure to check out the broadcast during this game and give him a listen for a bit of nostalgia.
