Las Vegas Raiders Face a New and Improved Jared Goff
The Las Vegas Raiders defense turns their attention from an unknown rookie quarterback playing in his first career start in the National Football League to facing a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with Super Bowl experience.
It has been a long road for Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. However, his growth and development are a large part of the Lions' team and franchise rejuvenation.
Earlier this season, Goff nearly set the record for most passes without an interception, throwing 383 consecutive passes without a pick. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has noticed exactly how far Goff has come as one of the more dependable quarterbacks in the league.
“How he's manipulating the coverage," Graham said. "He’s doing a good job of looking off. How he's delivering the ball, he's finding the guys in the right spot. He's able to reach different spots on the field and you can see that and the growth. Again, it's year eight for him."
Before being traded to Detroit, Goff finished three seasons with at least 12 interceptions. Since he has joined the Lions, his production has increased, and his turnovers have decreased significantly.
The Las Vegas Raiders will have to make Jared Goff uncomfortable on Monday.
© Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
"I'm saying the growth from the last time I faced him was long ago," Graham said. "You see the maturity as a quarterback. He's comfortable in the pocket; he's comfortable making checks at the line of scrimmage. He's comfortable saying: ‘Hey, let's take the profit.’
"So, that's when you see really the maturation process of a quarterback. And that's the beautiful thing of being in this league for 15 years now, you get a chance to see guys grow.
"He's doing a really good job and he's found a nice spot for himself up there in Detroit.”
This is arguably the best version of Goff the NFL has seen. The Raiders must be highly alert against Goff's ability to pick apart defenses.
Historically, Goff has struggled to pass the ball under pressure. Mixing up the coverages and blitzing more often than the Raiders have so far could make Goff uncomfortable enough to make a mistake. A mistake that could, in turn, change the game's outcome.
The Silver and Black will stay on the road to take on the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Oct. 30, at 8:15 p.m. EDT/5:15 p.m. PDT.
Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
