Jared Goff Concerns Emerge After Lions’ Loss to Packers

The fears surrounding the Detroit Lions in the offseason came true in their season opener with the Green Bay Packers.

The bane of Jared Goff‘s career hasn’t been the blitz or pressure, but interior pressure specifically that forces him to speed up his processing or flush him outside the pocket. Goff has never been a mobile quarterback who can improvise and make a Mahomsian play.

There were concerns with the Lions having to replace guard Kevin Zeitler and center Frank Ragnow, both veteran Pro Bowl talents who could decipher defensive line stunts with poise.

That didn’t happen on Sunday in Green Bay, the site of a 27-13 loss.

Green Bay’s new look defense, with Micah Parsons playing in a limited role, forced pressure up the middle at will. Goff was rattled, taking nine hits and four sacks. The byproduct: dumping the ball off and deferring his progressions from new offensive coordinator John Morton. Goff’s average depth of target was just 4.2 yards, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Goff was still accurate, completing 31 of 39 pass attempts for 225 yards, but 10 of those completions went to Jahmyr Gibbs, who could only muster 31 yards receiving behind an offensive line that couldn’t create space for him to operate.

Detroit’s new guard tandem of second-round rookie Tate Ratledge and 2024 sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany allowed three sacks and seven pressures combined.

The obvious solution to teams creating interior pressure is to improve the offensive interior. That ship has sailed. The next step: moving the quarterback.

Goff’s mobility has never been his calling card, leaving the Lions with no options other than rolling with the growing pains of the new guard duo.

Hopefully, Mahogany and Ratelage can turn a corner, but if not, it’s going to be a tough go for Goff this season.

Jared Goff Addresses Red-Zone Struggles in Loss to Packers

While the box score suggested a closer game, the Lions did not score a touchdown until the final minute of the fourth quarter, a beautiful one-handed grab by rookie Isaac TeSlaa.

The Lions’ other three red-zone trips ended with two field goals and an interception.

“Not even close to good enough, right?” Goff said after the game. “There needs to be an urgency of improvement. There has to be. Today wasn’t even close to good enough offensively.

“I’m not worried about (the red zone). I am moreso just urgent about getting details fixed and making sure that everyone is on the same page and that our communication is better and getting lined up correctly and all that stuff. Ultimately, a lot of it falls on me. So, there are some things that I can do better.”

Jared Goff Addresses Lions OC John Morton’s Performance After Packers Loss

Communication was key to the Lions’ downfall on Sunday.

Veteran tackle Taylor Decker admitted that the Packers seemed to fluster the offensive line’s communication with twists, stunts and rotations from the defense.

Goff seconded that communication of everyone’s jobs and roles and praised Morton in his first game as the Lions’ offensive play-caller.

“Yeah, I thought he (Morton) did good,” Goff said. “I thought he did a good job and got us in and out of there well. I think that we can do a better job communicating from me to everybody and then getting lined up correctly, and then knowing our jobs and assignments; and then throughout the week just making sure that we are doing what we want to do, that our players know our intentions on each play and that we are then executing it on gameday.”

Ashton Jeanty Pledges $5 Million to Combat Homelessness in Las Vegas – “It’s My Turn to Give Back”

In a remarkable act of generosity, Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has pledged $5 million from his latest sponsorship deals to address the pressing issue of homelessness in Las Vegas. Jeanty, whose life has been shaped by the love and support of the city, is now taking steps to give back in a truly impactful way.

“I can’t stand by knowing families are sleeping outside in this city,” Jeanty said, his voice filled with emotion. “Las Vegas gave me everything—love, energy, belief. Now it’s my turn to give back, and this is just the beginning. We are opening 100 housing units and 200 shelter beds to help those who need it the most.”

Jeanty’s initiative will provide critical shelter and support for families who are struggling to make ends meet in a city where homelessness has become an increasingly urgent issue. His pledge aims to provide a safe and stable environment for hundreds of individuals, offering not just a bed, but a sense of hope.

The $5 million donation will go directly to building and sustaining new homeless shelters throughout Las Vegas, ensuring that those in need have a place to stay and receive the care and resources required to get back on their feet. Jeanty’s commitment is already being hailed as a game-changing move, not just for the homeless community but for the entire city.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. “Ashton Jeanty is showing what true leadership looks like—both on and off the field. His generosity will make a lasting impact on our city, and we are incredibly grateful for his commitment.”

The 100 housing units and 200 shelter beds that will be opened as part of Jeanty’s initiative are just the beginning. Jeanty has expressed his desire to continue working with local organizations to expand the program and reach even more families in need. His emotional connection to his community is evident in his words, and his dedication to making a difference is clear.

“Las Vegas is where I learned the value of hard work, community, and resilience,” Jeanty said. “Now it’s time for me to use what I’ve been given to help others. I’m proud to call this city my home, and I’ll continue to give back in every way I can.”

Ashton Jeanty’s pledge is a reminder that the power of sports extends far beyond the field. His heartwarming commitment to the people of Las Vegas shows that even the smallest act of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating lasting change for those who need it most.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Stays Quiet on His Jalen Carter Discipline Decision

“I mean, I’m going to keep everything that I do with him private, regardless of if you see it on Sunday or not,” said Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni on star DT Jalen Carter. During Thursday night’s season-opening game against the Dallas Cowboys, Carter was ejected after the opening kickoff for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. The Eagles would go on to win the game 24-20.

Sirianni famously never discloses team disciplinary actions, preferring to keep it all internal. Knowing this, a reporter tried to dance around that unofficial policy by not asking for specifics, but instead if Carter’s discipline would impact his availability for Philadelphia’s Week 2 game against the Chiefs. Sirianni didn’t bite.

“Everything — every conversation, whether it’s a personal conversation, disciplinary thing — all those things will always be handled privately. I just think that’s the way to go about doing team business and when you’re doing things with a football team,” Sirianni said in his Monday press conference.

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Dak Prescott and Jalen Carter Got Into a Spitting Match

Mitchell Leff/GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 29: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts to tackle Rico Dowdle #23 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Initially, it appeared that Carter walked up and spit on Prescott largely unprovoked. There was a delay after the opening kickoff, as Eagles FB Ben VanSumeren suffered a season-ending knee injury on the play. While medical personnel were attending to him, the Cowboys offense and Eagles defense were waiting on the field for play to resume.

There was some jawing back and forth between Prescott and Carter, then video replay showed Carter walking up to the Dallas huddle and spitting on Prescott’s jersey. This drew an immediate flag from the official standing right next to it and the teams had to be separated.

However, to quote the famous Seinfeld scene, “there was a second spitter.” Prescott said something to Carter and spat on the ground in front of him, drawing Carter’s reaction.

It should be noted, however, that what Prescott did is not an disqualifying offense, as NBC’s officiating expert and rules analyst Terry McAulay noted during the broadcast. It might not even draw a penalty in most situations, as was the case in this instance. There was an official who saw the entire thing play out, and chose not to throw a flag for Prescott’s actions.

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The Philadelphia Eagles Struggled to Generate a Pass Rush Without Jalen Carter

The Eagles didn’t get a single sack or hit on Prescott all night — Carter’s spitting incident was literally the closest they came. It was a disappointing effort from a unit that was supposed to be one of the strengths of the team.

However, it shouldn’t be surprising that they weren’t the same without Carter in the lineup. He’s one of the best defensive tackles in the game, especially as a pass rusher. His ability to generate pressure from the interior is game-wrecking. Philadelphia had better hope he won’t miss much time, especially with the Chiefs on deck in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl.

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