TIM AND MIKE: Week 18 Observations

While Jared Goff may not have had his best game, he never appeared flustered or uncertain of himself despite the chaos that ensued. The Lions’ offence benefited from his calm leadership in a crucial game. A quote by Mike O’Hara

As for Goff, 28, is there any serious dispute that he is the franchise quarterback of this football team going forward? He proved his doubters wrong by throwing for more over 4,400 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions this season. The Lions still could use a young, developmental quarterback on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL Draft to serve as insurance in case Matthew Stafford gets injured. The Detroit Lions should start Goff at quarterback from here on out.

 

As for you, Jamaal Williams: His first 1,000-yard rushing season and matching Barry Sanders’ record for rushing touchdowns in a season were more than just numbers to him. The two touchdowns Williams scored pushed his season total to 17, one more than Barry’s previous record. The Lions’ victory on Sunday was largely attributable to Williams’s yardage and touchdowns. As the greatest runner of all time, Barry, he excelled under intense scrutiny and pressure. To quote Mike O’Hara:

Huge anticipation: The Lions’ roster will look different come next summer, and the offseason is long, but would it surprise anyone if Detroit was once again the preseason favourite in the NFC North? Detroit had a 9-8 record overall and a 5-1 record within the division. Minnesota was deserving of their North division title, but they set an NFL record by becoming the first 13-win team to end the season with a negative point difference.

 

When a season comes to an end, Occasionally, the conclusion of a Lions season has been met with a sigh of relief. Not that kind of season right now, though. The Lions are not merely competent. I find these amusing. To quote Mike O’Hara:

The Lions, who are currently in the market for free players, have a promising youthful nucleus around which to grow. However, general manager Brad Holmes will have to make some tough calls about whether or not to re-sign some experienced free agents.

 

 

Some of the most notable names on the list include wide receiver DJ Chark, running back Jamaal Williams, defensive end John Cominsky, linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive end Isaiah Buggs, guard/center Evan Brown, safety DeShon Elliott, and linebacker Josh Woods.And what a finish it was: the Lions joined the 1970 Bengals and the 2021 Dolphins as the only teams in NFL history to start a season 1-6 and still end up with a winning record. Mr. Tim Twentyman

Future looks bright for the Lions, as rookies Aidan Hutchinson (9.5 sacks) and James Houston (8.0 sacks) became the first Lions duo to earn at least 8.0 sacks in a season since Cliff Avril and Ndamukong Suh in 2012.