People Are Wrong About Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff
Sure, the Detroit Lions looked bad against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday evening, November 16, with their 16-9 loss in a slow-moving game. The offensive was totally out of sorts, and the Lions were 0-for-5 on fourth down in the defeat, so it’s easy to see those kind of plays and get down on the offensive leaders.
Some Detroit Lions followers are quick to point fingers at quarterback Jared Goff would be best to look at the real numbers and research. Following the loss to the Eagles, social media was lit up with comments from Lions loyalists who were putting the blame on anyone and everyone, but as the team’s quarterback, Goff got the brunt of it.
Of course, it’s not that simple. Remember that coach Dan Campbell took over play calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton for this game, so having a totally new play caller could have easily made things difficult on Goff. But, aside from that, his numbers from this season are solid and speak for themselves, and that’s a point being made by Detroit Lions beat writer and analyst Mike Payton of A to Z Sports.
Don’t Make Detroit Lions Quarterback Jared Goff the Scapegoat
On Tuesday, November 18, Payton took to X to share his conclusions about Goff and the criticism that the quarterback has been getting. In the post, he makes it clear that he thinks the criticism is not founded.
“The mobile guys are getting sacked more than anyone,” Payton notes. “He also has a higher completion percentage under pressure than (Matthew) Stafford, (Patrick) Mahomes, and (Jordan) Love and the 8th highest passer rating. He’s not perfect, but he’s not the worst.”
For those who say Goff isn’t good in bad weather, Payton replies that the signal-caller has thrown for 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in cold weather as a Detroit Lions player. He’s also completed 64% of his passes in those games.
“His passing stats against winning teams are just as good, if not better than Mahomes,” he adds. “The guy you tell me is perfect in every way.”
He wraps up his post on X with a strong and poignant message: “You’re letting your emotions dictate your beliefs.” Payton adds, “Jared Goff had a bad game Sunday. No doubt about it. You’re crazy if you think this happens all the time and you’re crazier if you think they need to get rid of him now.”
Detroit Lions Followers Make Their Voices Heart
Followers were quick to make their thoughts known on Payton’s X post. “I file that loss under the Dan Campbell column. I get that his who ‘thing’ is being aggressive. But constantly passing up points or pinning your opponent back adds up. Doesn’t do the o line or Goff any favors,” one said. “If you compare Goff’s bad games to everyone’s else’s good games, then yeah he’s gonna be worse,” another said.
“Crazy how he can play MVP caliber football 90% of the time but people will still act like he’s the worst QB ever after one poor game,” another follower said on the team’s Instagram.
So, the moral of this story is that the NFL is complicated. You really can’t pin the Eagles loss on one person, and that person being Goff. Now, it’s time to move onto the New York Giants game, and let’s face it: The Giants are no Eagles. Even if we win this one, we’re going to have to be stronger, as an entire team, to really compete to the playoffs, and that’s not all on Goff.
'I Would Not Want Him To Take the Field': Cam Newton Doubles Down on Shedeur Sanders Claim
Cam Newton has reignited debate within the NFL community after claiming that Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has not set rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders up for success. Appearing on national television, the former MVP doubled down on his belief that the Browns mishandled Sanders’ development and threw him into a situation destined to fail.
Newton’s comments followed Sanders’ difficult NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens, where the rookie completed just four of sixteen passes for 47 yards and an interception. Thrust into action after starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion, Sanders faced a top-tier defense without having taken meaningful first-team snaps during practice. Newton argued that Sanders’ lack of preparation was a coaching failure, not a player flaw, and suggested that Stefanski had deliberately limited the young quarterback’s opportunities.
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The controversial take drew mixed reactions from analysts and fans alike. Some agreed that the Browns’ offensive struggles and lack of supporting talent have made life difficult for any quarterback under center. Others dismissed Newton’s accusation as far-fetched, pointing out that NFL backup quarterbacks rarely receive starting reps in practice until absolutely necessary. They viewed Sanders’ performance as part of a rookie learning curve rather than evidence of internal sabotage.
In defense of Stefanski, several former players emphasized the difficulty of balancing preparation among multiple quarterbacks during an NFL season. The Browns’ offense has also been depleted by injuries and inconsistency, leaving even experienced passers at a disadvantage. Still, Newton’s comments have drawn attention to the team’s developmental approach and ongoing uncertainty under center.
Cam Newton Shares his Take on Shedeur Sanders’ Situation With Cleveland Browns
Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Newton recently dropped his thoughts about Sanders’ situation in Cleveland. This can be seen in a video shared by Awful Announcing on X.
Cam Newton: “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I do not think Kevin Stefanski wants Shedeur Sanders to succeed in Cleveland… if I’m Shedeur or I’m a Shedeur Sanders fan, I would not want him to take the field. Because that’s going to consistently be the display we’re…
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 17, 2025
Sanders is expected to remain in the lineup while Gabriel remains in concussion protocol, giving him another chance to show his potential. The pressure will be immense following such public scrutiny, but many see it as an opportunity for redemption.
Regardless of how the next outing goes, Newton’s remarks have amplified discussion around coaching accountability and rookie expectations. For Sanders, every pass from here on will be judged not only by fans but through the lens of a debate extending far beyond his first start.
Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jamil Muhammad (45) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
