Lions’ Offensive Line Falters in Costly Loss to Steelers: Goff Under Siege, Run Game Stalls
It’s a long-standing NFL tradition: quarterbacks gifting their offensive linemen something special around the holidays. It’s a show of appreciation for the big men up front-the ones who take the hits so the quarterback doesn’t have to.
This year, Jared Goff went big, handing out golf carts to his offensive line. But after Sunday’s 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he might be wondering if he should’ve kept the receipts.
Detroit’s offense couldn’t find its rhythm for most of the afternoon, and the offensive line-usually a strength for this team-had one of its roughest outings of the season. Goff was sacked three times, including once in the end zone for a safety that flipped the momentum just when the Lions seemed to be gaining some.
That safety was especially brutal considering it came right after rookie linebacker Jack Campbell made a huge red zone stop, forcing a fumble with the game tied at 10. Instead of capitalizing on the turnover, Detroit gave up two points and the ball.
Goff took a beating all game long, getting hit nine times in total. One of those hits was courtesy of friendly fire-guard Christian Mahogany, just back from injury, was pushed into Goff and accidentally stepped on his foot.
Goff limped briefly, but stayed in the game and finished strong. Still, the damage had been done.
Third Quarter Collapse
If there’s a moment that defined this game, it was the third quarter-or rather, the lack of one for Detroit. For the second week in a row, the Lions were completely blanked in the third, gaining negative yardage and holding the ball for just 51 seconds.
That’s not a typo. Less than a minute of possession in an entire quarter.
Their first drive of the fourth quarter wasn’t much better. A quick three-and-out that included a five-yard false start penalty on right guard Tate Ratledge netted them minus-five yards in just 33 seconds.
That Ratledge penalty was the first offensive flag of the game for Detroit, but it certainly wasn’t the last. And unfortunately, the timing of those penalties couldn’t have been worse.
Goff did his best to rally the offense late. He led a strong fourth-quarter charge that had Detroit knocking on the door with a chance to steal a win.
But just when it looked like the Lions might punch it in, the drive unraveled. A would-be touchdown to Amon-Ra St.
Brown was wiped out by an offensive pass interference call on rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa. Then, center Kingsley Eguakun flinched just enough to draw a false start.
Instead of first-and-goal from the 1-yard line, the Lions found themselves pushed back to the 16. Another offensive pass interference later, and the comeback bid fizzled out.
Run Game Nowhere to Be Found
Pass protection wasn’t the only issue. Detroit’s ground game, which has been a key part of their offensive identity, was completely shut down.
The Lions managed just 15 total rushing yards on 12 carries. That’s not a misprint.
Jahmyr Gibbs, the electric rookie who’s been a sparkplug all year, finished with just two yards on seven carries. David Montgomery had 14 yards on four attempts.
Goff’s lone rush lost a yard. By comparison, 41-year-old Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers-yes, that Aaron Rodgers-rushed for nine yards in his return to Ford Field.
Tight end Jonnu Smith even chipped in with 28 yards on a gadget play late in the game.
Simply put, the Steelers’ defensive front dominated. And they did it without T.J.
Watt, who missed the game with a lung injury. It didn’t matter.
Pittsburgh’s D-line was relentless, crashing into the backfield with ease. Whether it was missed assignments, breakdowns in communication, or just getting beat off the snap, the Lions’ offensive line couldn’t hold the line.
The numbers tell the story: three sacks, nine QB hits, and seven tackles for loss. That’s a clinic in backfield disruption.
Looking Ahead
The Lions are still technically in the playoff hunt, but Sunday’s loss delivered a serious blow to those hopes. It was a game they had chances to win, and one where their offensive line-usually a source of stability-just didn’t show up.
Goff’s holiday gift of golf carts to his linemen was a nice gesture. But after this one, they might be putting a few extra miles on those carts sooner than expected.