Spencer Rattler Expresses Regret After Struggling Performance, Leading to Kellen Moore's Decision to Replace Him with Rookie Tyler Shough
In a candid admission following his recent struggles, quarterback Spencer Rattler expressed regret over his performance during the game, which saw him commit two costly turnovers and fail to make a significant impact on the field. The underwhelming performance led head coach Kellen Moore to make the tough decision to bench Rattler in favor of rookie Tyler Shough, a move that reflects the team's urgency to spark a change in the quarterback position.
"I know I didn't play to the level that this team needs, and I take full responsibility for that," Rattler said after the game. "The turnovers were costly, and I couldn't get into a rhythm. It’s disappointing, and I know I have to be better. I completely understand Coach Moore's decision to make a change."
Rattler, who had shown flashes of his potential earlier in the season, struggled in the matchup, throwing two interceptions and failing to move the ball efficiently. His inability to capitalize on key opportunities forced Moore's hand, as the team was in need of a spark to stay competitive in the game.
Shough, who had been waiting for his opportunity, took over as the starter, but despite his best efforts, he too found it difficult to turn the tide. While he showed flashes of promise, the offensive struggles continued, leaving the team still searching for a solution at the quarterback position.
"I have all the confidence in Tyler, but I understand this situation is about more than just me," Rattler added. "If Coach Moore believes Tyler is the right choice to lead this team, then I support that fully. I know I have to work harder to earn that starting spot back, and I’m committed to doing whatever it takes."
Moore, who has been under pressure to find consistency at the quarterback position, addressed the change in his post-game comments. "Spencer is a talented player, but we needed a change to shake things up," Moore said. "This is about finding the best chance for success for the team. We’ll continue to evaluate the situation, but we believe in our quarterbacks and will do what’s best for the team moving forward."
As the season progresses, Rattler’s response to the benching will be crucial in determining his future with the team. His willingness to learn from this experience and his commitment to improving will be key factors in whether he gets another chance to start. For now, the team moves forward with Shough, hoping that a fresh perspective at quarterback will ignite a turnaround.
Derrick Barnes makes a compelling case for Jared Goff as NFL MVP this season
Since 2021, the Detroit Lions have been led by Jared Goff, and given the importance of quarterback play around the NFL, that's a fact that has worked to their advantage in a big way.
While Goff was cast out of Los Angeles, he has flourished with the Lions. Now, Goff has played in more games with Detroit than he did with the Rams, and has made a home in the Motor City given he led the franchise to a pair of division titles and two playoff wins since.
In the locker room, Goff is popular and his teammates realize the talent he has. Linebacker Derrick Barnes started his Detroit career with Goff, and doesn't understand why he doesn't get more love for what he does.
Joining "Up and Adams" with Kay Adams, Barnes was asked to make his case for Goff as an MVP this year. As he explained, he is still mystified with the hate the quarterback receives on the internet given all his strengths.
"I try to stay off the internet, Twitter, things like that. But some things pop up on my feed about (Jared) Goff and I'm like 'Do people know football? Do people know what this man has done? How many records he holds?' He had a perfect game last year. I haven't seen it in five years in the NFL. People want to say 'Oh he has this player and that player.' He runs the show."
As Barnes explained, it's more than just Goff's abilities which makes him a favorite for the award, but everything else he brings to the table for the franchise.
"Goff is extremely smart. He's a great leader. In the building, coaches ask him for advice because he's that dude. If I was on the other team, I'm a competitor so I wouldn't say worried, but I'd be worried playing against Goff because he creates. I ain't saying he's the fastest guy (and) he ain't the slowest guy, but you have a quarterback who creates in the pocket. You get out of the pocket, he can run a bit. He's got a couple first-downs, so I give it to him. He's been working on it, I can tell. He's a smart player. He knows where to put the ball. He knows how to make the right checks."
The type of player Barnes is describing is the whole package. Most Lions fans understand that Goff deserves to be in the MVP conversation if not a potential dark horse pick for the award, but it's likely going to take major heroics for that this season.
Goff likely needs a huge statistical second-half to contend for MVP
Barnes makes excellent points about Goff's viability as an MVP candidate, but the fact is, playing in Detroit will always hurt his case. Not since the days of Barry Sanders have the Lions had a bonafide MVP, and Sanders was impossible to ignore as the best running back in football.
Statistically, Goff runs too hot and cold to be considered for a popularity contest award such as league MVP. As much as he wins, it isn't always about winning, but rather the 'wow factor' a player brings. Unfortunately, Goff doesn't make the same jaw-dropping plays as Josh Allen. One week, he can have two touchdowns and an interception while the next he throws for five scores.
The lack of flash means the Lions not only have to win big, but see Goff have a fantastic run of numbers throwing the ball. He's going to need to have multiple games where he accounts for multiple touchdowns in order to be in that conversation. Detroit's offense may be more tailored to success on the ground, which means there could be days the running backs do more than Goff.
Still, as Barnes understands, the Lions are better for having Goff on the team. Whether he ever becomes league MVP, he's still Detroit's MVP hands down.
