The NFC North's Top Ranked Quarterback Is Once Again Jared Goff - It's Not Close
Why Is #16 Number One In The NFC North?
Every season Rocked On Sports Media performs an unbiased review for all positional groups within the NFC North. Grading, analyzing and ranking each positional group from one (1) being the best, and four (4) being the worst.
Last season I predicted that Sam Darnold would be the 2nd best QB in the North, generating one of the best seasons for a QB league wide. Maybe the biggest hit last season was predicting the Lions would have four players each eclipse 1,000 all purpose yards. There were many more correct calls and hopefully there will be again this season.
Jared Goff: Why #16 Is Number One
When Jared Goff arrived in Detroit in 2021, the masses viewed Goff as a bridge quarterback. Three seasons later, the Lions made him the highest‑paid player in franchise history with a four‑year, $212 million extension ($170 million guaranteed), cementing him as their unquestioned leader.
The (SOL) fans booed the move, and with the help of national pundits took every shot they could to trash Jared Goff labeling him mediocre at best. Calling for Hendon Hooker to lead the team, as Goff lacks game changing ability with his legs, not good enough, and now overpaid.
In 2024 — his fourth season in Detroit — Goff delivered one of the most efficient and prolific campaigns in NFL history, guiding the Lions to a 15‑2 record, their first No. 1 seed, and back‑to‑back NFC North titles. Not only did he quiet the haters, Goff piloted an offense that ranked 1st in points per game (33.2) and 2nd in passing yards per game (277.5), thriving in play action with a 75% completion rate, 10.2 YPA, and a 125.0 passer rating — all league bests — while helping fuel the NFL’s No. 2 rushing attack (2,488 yards, 29 TD).
Steady & surgical, Goff posted 4,629 yards, 37 TD, 12 INT, 72.4% completions, led the NFL in 3rd‑down conversion rate, and ranked top‑3 in red‑zone efficiency. Jared Goff’s 72.4% completion rate (2nd NFL) combined with a 111.8 passer rating (3rd). also led the league in 3rd‑down efficiency. Add in a staggering 64 explosive plays of 20+ yards (2nd) through the air with just 12 INTs is mind blowing.
A master of play action, he completed 75% for 10.2 YPA and a 125.0 rating, while taking only 28 sacks. Goff also attempted the 10th most tight‑window throws with 114 (21% of attempts), showing trust in his targets and precision under duress.
Goff also ranked sixth (6th) in CPOE (Completion Percentage Over Expected). Which means Goff was completing a high number of passes that your average QB cannot make based on the level of difficulty the throw requires. Below are examples of what CPOE would measure against for level of difficulty.
CPOE: Examples Of Plays Used For Measurement
1. Tight‑window sideline shot
A 15‑yard out route to the far hash with the cornerback in tight man coverage and less than one yard of separation.
Requires perfect timing, velocity, and placement to beat the defender and keep the ball in bounds.
2. Deep post vs. two‑high safety look
25–30 yards downfield, splitting safeties while avoiding the trailing corner.
Small margin for errors too far inside risks a safety pick, too far outside misses the window.
3. Throw under heavy pressure
QB hit as he releases, delivering a 12‑yard dig route into zone coverage.
Must maintain accuracy without full mechanics.
4. Back‑shoulder fade vs. elite CB
Receiver covered step‑for‑step; QB must throw to a spot only the WR can adjust to.
Often used in red zone or on 3rd‑and‑long.
5. Cross‑body throw on the move
Rolling left (for a right‑handed QB) and throwing 20 yards back across the field to a receiver in traffic.
High difficulty due to body mechanics, velocity loss, and defender angles.
What Didn’t Go Well: Not Much
Jared Goff’s 2024 season was defined by precision and control, but like any quarterback, his efficiency took a hit when interior pressure broke through the A and B gaps. Vertical pressure up the middle disrupts timing for even the league’s best, and Goff was no exception — though his quick release and anticipation often allowed him to get the ball out before the rush could alter the play.
Mobility remains a limited part of his game; he’s not a threat to extend plays outside the pocket, making him more reliant on the health and cohesion of his offensive line, with precise execution by the receivers in the passing game. Goff did deliver at least seven (7) first downs with his legs in 2024.
Jared Goff under pressure was sacked far less than most QBs in the league. Goff was ranked in the top 10 with fewer sacks taken than Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow, Tua Tugovailoa, Jayden Daniels, C.J. Stroud and 16 other teams. Still, when protected, Goff is among the NFL’s most precise passers, operating with rhythm, accuracy, and an ability to dissect defenses before the pressure ever arrives. It does help that Goff’s 2.63 second time to throw is the 9th fastest in the league last season.
The most glaring blemish came in the Divisional Round, where three interceptions against Washington ended Detroit’s season and underscored the risk of turnovers in high‑leverage moments.
Playoff Record In Detroit
Jared Goff’s tenure in Detroit has been nothing short of transformative. In the 2023 season, he guided the Lions to their first playoff victory since 1991, then doubled down by delivering the franchise’s first-ever back-to-back home playoff wins, culminating in an NFC Championship appearance in Santa Clara against the 49ers.
The momentum carried into 2024, when Goff led Detroit to its first No. 1 seed in team history and secured consecutive NFC North titles.
Across his career, Goff has compiled a postseason résumé that includes a 61.2% completion rate, 2,450 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and an 85.1 passer rating, with an even 5–5 playoff record. And it’s worth remembering that before his Detroit renaissance, Goff had already proven he could reach the sport’s biggest stage, taking the Los Angeles Rams to Super Bowl LIII in 2018.
Smashing Pumpkins In October & Records In December!
In case you didn’t realize this fact, Jared Goff has only affected the salary cap, $88.75 million since 2022 (Per OTC). This number is not the cash amount paid, simply the number that is used in the top 51. His new contract will not take full effect till 2026 when his salary does balloon up to just shy of $70 million.
Why is that important? Goff has had one of the best records in the NFL since 2022, starting with an epic comeback going 8-2 in the final 10 games of 2022. He then delivered Detroit it’s first home playoff victories in over three decades in 2023 taking it all the way to the NFC Championship. 2024 was the best season on record for the Lions at 15-2, including many NFL & franchise records. Goff did it as the 19th highest paid quarterback in the NFL over three seasons.
Here is the dagger, only 8 QB’s not named Goff have a playoff win in the top 19, and only 13 playoff wins for all QBs in the top 18.
His actual cash number was a bit higher, but the cap hit was far below these players. Some of which were just October pumpkins waiting to burst from the winter freeze.
Top 18: Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, Daniel Jones, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Jimmy Garoppolo, Geno Smith, Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence & Justin Herbert. (Not in order)
Let’s also not forget the amazing records, both NFL & Franchise that Jared Goff’s hands played a part in.
NFL Records (7)
Most pass attempts without an incompletion in a game – 18-for-18 vs. Seattle (Week 4).
Most passing yards without an incompletion in a game – 292 yards (same game).
Highest completion percentage over a 6‑game span – 82.6% (106-of-128).
Only QB in NFL history to complete 80%+ in three straight games (min. 15 attempts each).
Highest passer rating over a 6‑game span – 140.1.
Only QB in NFL history with 6 straight games of 72%+ completions, 105.0+ passer rating, and a TD pass.
Detroit became the first team in league history to have two players each throw a TD and catch a TD in the same game (Week 4-Seattle)
Lions Franchise Records (6)
Single-season completion percentage – 72.4%
(breaking his own 67.3% mark from 2023)
Single-season passer rating – 111.8
Single-season yards per attempt – 8.6
Career-best TD passes as a Lion – 37 (2nd-most in franchise history)
Lions offense set franchise record for most team points in a season
Lions offense set franchise record for most team touchdowns in a season
Best Season Performances
Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Sept. 30, 2024) – Perfect Game
Stat line: 18/18 (100%), 292 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 155.8 passer rating
NFL record for most pass attempts in a game without an incompletion
Caught first passing touchdown from Amon-Ra. St. Brown
Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills (Dec. 15, 2024)
Stat line: 38/59, 494 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, 118.9 passer rating
Career‑high passing yards
Tied career‑high TDs
Kept Detroit in a 48‑42 shootout as the defense failed
Showed deep‑ball aggression and clutch red‑zone execution
Week 11 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Nov. 17, 2024)
Stat line: 24/29 (82.8%), 412 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT, 158.3 passer rating
Near‑perfect day in a 52‑6 blowout
Averaged 14.2 yards per attempt
Shredded man and zone coverage
Posted a perfect passer rating
Lead All QB’s With Three Games 150+ Passer Rating
Week 4 vs. Seattle – 155.8
Week 6 @ Dallas – 153.8
Week 11 vs. Jacksonville – 158.3 (perfect)
Only Two Other QBs With 150+ Passer Ratings
Lamar Jackson (2) & Joe Burrow (2)
Only Lamar Jackson had a perfect rating in week 3
What Did Change In 2025
Changes in the trenches and on the headset are the only potential issues for Goff. Center Frank Ragnow retired, prompting Graham Glasgow to slide inside, with rookie Tate Ratledge expected to start at right guard and 2nd year player Christian Mahogany to start at left guard. Tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker remain elite bookends, but interior cohesion will be tested early.
The Lions enter 2025 with continuity in offensive weaponry. The skill group is intact: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta form one of the NFL’s best pass-catching trios, while Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery remain a top-tier RB tandem. The rookie sensation Isaac Teslaa is sure to add fireworks, and Gibbs is expected to be utilized more in passing concepts.
Biggest Change: Offensive Coordinator?
John Morton replaced Ben Johnson, who became the Bears (#FTB) head coach. Morton is expected to keep many of the existing playbook, adding more vertical concepts and wrinkles.
Bottom line: Goff still has elite weapons and strong protection, but most pundits say the OC change and interior OL shuffle are the two variables that could impact early-season rhythm.
What you forgot: Jared Goff has already gone through multiple offensive coordinator changes and hasn’t lost a step. Starting out in 2021 Anthony Lynn was the OC. The offense struggled early — conservative passing game, poor red‑zone efficiency, and inconsistent QB play.
Midseason, Campbell took over play‑calling duties from Lynn. Ben Johnson, then the tight ends coach, began having a bigger role in the passing game design.
Lynn and the Lions mutually parted ways after the season. To start 2022, Johnson was officially the play‑caller from Week 1 — Dan Campbell was seen on the sidelines to be heavily involved through midseason, at which point Johnson was in full control.
Jared Goff has gone through dozens of offensive line formation changes in the last 4 seasons. Whether it was Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, Graham Glasgow injured, it didn’t matter. Hank Fraley knows how to get this line right and ready.
Now: John Morton is the OC in 2025. So far the look of the offense has been nothing short of explosive in practice. Having gone from McVay, Lynn, Campbell, Johnson and now Morton. Jared Goff has been through 4 and now on his 5th play caller since 2020. Goff has been steady and confident throughout his entire time in Detroit thus far. I expect nothing short of a stellar season once again.
2025 PROJECTION
Stats: 4,400–4,800 yards, 35–41 TD, 10–12 INT, +70% completion rate.
Team: 12-14 wins, NFC North title, deep playoff run straight into the Superbowl, should the team remain healthy
Will finish on top once again. This time not leaving any doubt for an ALL-PRO nomination that he was snubbed from in 2024.
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