The Detroit Lions had their worst game running the ball in two years on Sunday. Despite the anemic rushing effort and missing the top two running backs for almost the entire game, the Lions still managed to beat the Buccaneers 20-6.
Head coach Dan Campbell gave considerable credit to quarterback Jared Goff, who had an outstanding game. Goff completed 30 of his 44 passes for 353 yards and two TDs. The 44 pass attempts were Goff’s highest total of the year, nine more than in any other game.
With the run game not working, Campbell leaned heavily on his quarterback to win the game. Goff delivered.
After noting that “we want to be balanced,” a hoarse Campbell explained why the Lions got so pass-heavy in the game.
“He was in a rhythm, in a groove, and really we just felt like that was the best way to move the football was to put it in his hands,” Campbell said after the game.
Campbell praised the pass protection with the makeshift offensive line, one that was missing both regular starting guards, and the Lions receivers for finding openings in a tough Buccaneers defense. It made putting the critical road game in Goff’s hands an easy call for Campbell.
“Let’s put it on him, and he did a great job,” the coach said of Goff. “We needed him to step up, and he did step up.”
The Lions are now 5-1 on the season and Goff has keyed the way to the top of the NFL standings. He now has 13 straight games with a QB Rating over 85.0, and his 107.5 QB Rating in Week 6 was his third over 100 this year.
