Tyler Conklin has not forgotten Jared Goff’s fifth-place MVP finish in 2024. Brushing aside the criticism, he places his faith in Detroit’s QB1 despite the noise surrounding him.

This week, the veteran tight end signed a $1.3 million prove-it deal, and he's already settling in. On Crunch Time Sports, he defended his quarterback against recent criticism.

“I do think Jared Goff is one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League. Now, I’ve always defended him also behind the scenes. Just because he doesn’t get, he gets way too much hate,” Tyler said. 

Conklin didn’t stop there, comparing Goff to his QB from the Los Angeles Chargers. He further backed his statements by reminding everyone that Goff flies under the radar.

“I felt the same way about Justin Herbert," Conklin added. "But Jared Goff, I think the numbers speak for itself, the way the Lions offense has been, all those things.”

That is where the disconnect lies. Across his career, Goff has consistently delivered. But unfortunately, despite a 9-8 winning season, the Lions missed the playoffs again last year, at the bottom of the NFC North.

By mid-2025, the noise around Jared Goff had already grown louder. After a tough loss to the Los Angeles Rams, belief in Detroit’s playoff hopes began to fade, with fans openly writing them off during his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket.

Since his second year with the Detroit Lions in 2022, Jared Goff has produced like a top-tier QB. Year after year, he has hovered around 4,500 yards with 30 or more touchdowns. In 2025, he finished second in the league in both passing yards and touchdowns.

That is where the disconnect lies. Across his career, Goff has consistently delivered, and his recent 77.7 PFF grade reinforces that he remains an above-average starter in today’s league.

In the tight end's recent statements, one thing was clear: he wasn't letting a game or two from last year get in the way of his belief in his new QB1.

Why Tyler Conklin Believes One Game Shouldn’t Define Jared Goff’s Season

For Jared Goff, the noise grew louder last season in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. Played on Christmas Eve, December 25, 2025, the Lions lost the match by 23-10. And, Goff’s performance became the focal point with a QBR of 28.5.

In light of this, Tyler Conklin also spoke about how social media is a major factor when it comes to this criticism.

“That’s kind of just a problem with social media nowadays,” Conklin said, “Everybody kind of has their opinion, whether it’s a good one or not. Whatever. You’re allowed to have an opinion.”

Over the course of a full season, quarterback Jared Goff's play is judged by rhythm, efficiency, and the ability to operate within the system, not just isolated outcomes. 

What matters is how often that happens, and in Goff’s case, it has been the exception rather than the trend. That is why the Lions continue to evaluate him based on the full body of work, not a single result.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote