The Detroit Lions have hit a rough patch in recent weeks. They have lost two out of their last three games, providing the Minnesota Vikings with a chance to climb back into the NFC North divisional title race.
The rivals will face off twice in the final three weeks of the season, which will go a long way to determining who will be crowned NFC North champ this season. The Lions have been in first place essentially since the get-go, but their recent level of play has their hold on the division weakening.
Despite having the most successful regular season in about 30 years, some NFL analysts wonder whether or not the Lions could make a move at quarterback with Jared Goff. One of those analysts is former NFL general manager Jeff Diamond.
In a piece over at The 33rd Team, Diamond presented an argument that the Lions could be one of 12 teams that look to add a quarterback to the mix during the 2024 NFL Draft. The final month of the season, in Diamond’s opinion, could determine Goff’s fate.
“Expectations have risen in Detroit, and if the Lions don’t finish the season strong with an NFC North title and a good postseason showing, [Jared] Goff could be the fall guy,” Diamond wrote. “He’ll especially need to play well in the two matchups with Minnesota over the final three weeks that could decide the division race.
“The Lions won’t have a top-15 pick, but if Goff is a question mark after the season, GM Brad Holmes could try to move up and pick a quarterback to develop or to replace Goff with next season.”
That is certainly a hot take from Diamond, as it would be shocking if the Lions opted to move on from Goff this offseason. Even if the Lions aren’t playing for a Super Bowl, the foundation with head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have built with Goff in the middle, means something.
They have had their opportunities to add a quarterback to the mix previously with high picks and opted against it. Doing so now that they look to have a sustainable winner would be shocking.
When you add in the fact they used a third-round pick on Hendon Hooker in the 2023 NFL Draft, the suggestion is even more head-scratching. Barring a complete and utter meltdown, the Lions are going to be a playoff team this season; one more win would essentially seal up a Wild Card spot at the very least.
If anyone is going to receive the blame for a second-half meltdown, it is the defense. While Goff’s numbers may have slipped a little from the first half of the season, the Lions’ defense has regressed immensely, surrendering 28.7 points per game since Week 7. That is where the issues lay, not with Goff.