The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 season with something to prove after a campaign that fell well short of expectations. Quarterback Jared Goff didn’t shy away from what he felt about the Lions’ last season. 

Following back-to-back NFC North titles, Detroit finished last in the division with a record of 9-8 in 2025, their worst record since 2022. Goff, who participated in the FATE Draft Day celebrations, explained that they will be using last season to fuel their ambitions for next season.

“Whenever you come in fourth place in your division and get embarrassed in a lot of ways, in some pretty big games, it’s not hard to find that motivation and grit,” said Goff.

While being interviewed at his event by Brad Galli of the Brad Galli Show, he also expressed his belief that the Lions will bounce back next season, considering their history.

“I think it’ll come pretty natural to us,” added Goff. “We’re used to putting a lot better product on the field than we did last year, and we intend to do that.”

Last year came with big game losses by Detroit. They got humbled by a 30-17 loss at Kansas City. After a bye week, Minnesota defeated them 27-24 at home. Then again on Christmas Day, they lost to the Vikings 23-10.

While last season was disastrous for the Lions, it can be argued that major reasons for it were the huge number of injuries the team suffered and the poor playcalling for now-former offensive coordinator John Morton.

Despite this, the Lions were still one of the best offensive teams in the league. Goff was still as consistent as ever as he went a third straight season with over 4,500 passing yards and 30 or more touchdowns. 

Now, with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and an improved offensive line from last season, expectations are high for the Lions and Goff.

So much so that one NFL writer believes we could see an even better Goff under Petzing. 

Goff could unlock a new level with Drew Petzing, according to an NFL writer

While Goff has shown consistency since entering Detroit, Michael Colwander of SideLion believes that Goff could be doing even better with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

“Goff finishing last in IAY (intended air yards per attempt) already feels inexcusable, given the talent around him,” wrote Colwander on July 23. “If Petzing doesn’t want to be another failed OC like Morton, it’s one of many things he’ll have to improve in 2026. He’s already proven capable of doing just that.”

As for Petzing, Goff seems like the best fit for the way he wants his quarterbacks to play.

Under him, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett had a breakout season, throwing for a career-high 240.4 yards per game and finishing with a league-average 7.6 in IAY.

The Lions possess a better quarterback than Brissett in Goff and have an even better offensive core with receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa, as well as an elite tight end in Sam LaPorta as catching options for Goff. 

Therefore, it is definitely possible that we see Goff have his best-ever season, not just in a Lions uniform but in his career, and possibly lead the Lions to the Lombardi Trophy.

Do you think Goff will reach a new level with Petzing as offensive coordinator? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar