Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has spent years proving doubters wrong. Yet, questions about where he ranks amongst the NFL’s elite quarterbacks still continue.

Despite being the quarterback of one of the league’s most successful franchises in recent seasons, Goff is often left out of conversations involving the game’s biggest stats. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes that perception is completely misguided and argues that Goff was underrated.

“It is rare for a former No.1 overall pick to be underrated, but that has become the case with Jared Goff. In fact, he’s the most underrated quarterback in the game today.”

Brooks pointed to the way Goff has quietly developed into one of the NFL’s most effective pocket passers. He also highlighted that Goff is all about accuracy, decision-making, and efficiency.

“While the football world and NFL scouting community continue to search for the next megastar with the breathtaking playmaking talents of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, Goff has emerged as a true franchise QB who shreds defenses from the pocket.”

Since entering the league as the 1st overall pick in 2016, Goff’s numbers have been impressive to say the least. He’s also led the Rams to the Super Bowl game and helped the Lions have their best-ever regular-season record.

Brooks added how Goff has become what was expected from him when he was drafted in 2016.

“By any metric, Goff has become the elite quarterback that he was expected to be when he was selected with the top pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Last season, Goff was selected to the Pro Bowl and ended the season with 4,564 yards and 34 touchdowns, and 68% pass completion. Despite these stats, Goff is still overlooked. 

Why Is Goff So Overlooked?

Brooks believes that one reason that Goff remains underrated is that critics often credit his surroundings rather than his individual performance.

“Although Goff’s detractors will suggest that he has benefited from playing for some of the brightest offensive minds while also being flanked by some of the game’s best playmakers and pass protectors,” said Brooks.

Brooks added, “Goff deserves great acclaim for helping the X’s and O’s come to life with his accuracy and decision-making.”

Since arriving in Detroit, Goff has played a huge role in transforming the franchise into an annual contender. The Lions quarterback has already established himself as an elite player.

While Goff may never generate the same attention as some of the NFL’s flashiest stars, Brooks believes that Goff is still as great as any of the other stars.

Where do you think Goff ranks amongst the best quarterbacks in the league? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi