Jared Goff 'Stood Tall' in Pocket Last Season, Gained Respect

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff worked on "pocket toughness" in 2022.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was not ranked among the best NFL signal-callers in ESPN's annual preseason rankings. 

But, unlike in years past, Goff landed as an honorable mention to be included among the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL. 

After a disappointing first campaign in Motown, Goff rebounded and led the Lions to eight victories in the team's final 10 games. 

"Goff rarely got a single vote over the past three seasons, but this year he appeared on nearly 25% of the ballots after leading Detroit to nine wins, thanks in part to a 29-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio," writes Jeremy Fowler.

Across the league, the 28-year-old impressed scouts, executives and pundits based on his play facing pressure and against the blitz. 

Goff ranked third in the NFL in QBR against the blitz (81.6).

An AFC scout told ESPN, "He's always been a good thrower of the football. His issue, to me, was toughness, particularly in the pocket. I thought he addressed a lot of that this year and stood tall."

Working with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson allowed the veteran quarterback to have one of the best statistical seasons of his career. 

The duo have spent a significant amount of time working to improve the areas of Goff's game that were not his strong suit. 

"The Lions emphasized the pocket toughness with Goff, who worked hard at it," Fowler explained. "He also has a strong trust with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, which was a big deal for him after the Rams unceremoniously moved on from him in the 2021 offseason."