ALLEN PARK — Lions quarterback Jared Goff, coming off a 5-touchdown game in the win over the Broncos, will face new challenges against a tough Vikings (7-7) defense on Sunday. With a win, the Lions (10-4) would capture the NFC North title.
Coach Dan Campbell said his message to Goff this week is the same. The coach is not bothered by the fact that six of Goff’s 10 interceptions have come against NFC North opponents. He doesn’t blame Goff completely for the turnovers.
“He’s done a good job and I think really the most important thing is, cut it loose. That’s the message, it’s not the other way,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday. “I go back to this, he’s one of the biggest reasons we’re sitting at 10-4. Right now it’s him playing loose and trust what your eyes see, play the progression and throw with conviction.’’
Campbell said it doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen if Goff lets it fly, but then they have to find a way to overcome it.
“We sure don’t want him tightening up and worrying about all of that. Just go out like he did last week, put the work in and cut it loose,’’ the coach said.
Goff ranks third in the NFL with most 20-plus yard passes with 59 – behind Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud. He also ranks third in most 20-plus yard touchdown passes with 11, behind Tua Tagovailoa and Purdy who each have a dozen.
His five touchdown passes last week matches the franchise record and his own single-game career high.
“That’s the farthest thing we’re from here is conservative and Dan sets the tone on that certainly for our whole team and his attitude,’’ Goff said. “We follow suit.”
In Week 15, Goff surpassed 25 passing touchdowns on the season becoming the first player in franchise history to throw for at least 25 touchdowns in consecutive seasons. He had 29 in the 2022 season.
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