Jared Goff had plenty to say after the Lions’ 31-24 Week 3 win over the Jets, and a lot of it circled back to the same themes: Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosiveness, the way defenses are tilting coverage toward Jameson Williams, and the steady way Detroit’s offense keeps answering even when the looks get tighter downfield.
Goff lit up when talking about Gibbs’ first touchdown, a cutback run that showed exactly why the Lions keep feeding him the ball in space. Goff joked that Gibbs “wouldn't have got in if I didn't get the block for him, right?”
before praising the back’s burst and feel for the game. He said Gibbs is “so explosive and nifty with the ball in his hands that, like, we just try to get it to him in space.
He typically does the rest.”
He also credited the offensive line for helping create the lane and said there are still areas in the run game where Detroit can open things up even more. But in his view, Gibbs already gives the offense a huge edge because of how many ways he can be used. Goff called him “so versatile,” pointing to the value of throwing him the ball, handing it off, and using him as a checkdown option that forces defenses to stay honest underneath.
That versatility, Goff said, makes life easier for everyone around him. Defenses have to respect Gibbs near the line and in the flat, which can pull attention away from Williams and Amon-Ra St.
Brown. “He can turn that into a big play,” Goff said.
“Yeah, it makes it hard on defenses. He's a special player, and I love playing with him.”
Goff said Gibbs has also taken another step this season as a lead back. In his eyes, that growth shows up in the variety of runs Gibbs is handling, but also in the less glamorous stuff. He pointed to protection work as an area where Gibbs has improved, saying his willingness to “stick his nose in there” and know where he’s supposed to be has been a big plus.
The quarterback also made clear that some of Detroit’s offensive balance on Sunday wasn’t scripted in some grand way. Asked whether getting Sione Vaki and Isaac TeSlaa involved was part of the plan, Goff said, “No, I just think that's the way - I don't think there was any intention to it, just sometimes happens that way.”
He added that Vaki “played tremendously” and said the rookie helped in protection, in the run game, and on a couple of checkdowns. Goff also mentioned Jacob Saylors for his work on the kick return.
TeSlaa’s 49-yard catch to start the go-ahead drive was another example, in Goff’s mind, of how the defense’s attention on Williams can open something else up. Goff said teams are playing Detroit “with so much depth” because of Jamo, which is leaving more room in the intermediate game and underneath. On that play, he said, “the safety got out of there with Jamo and hit TeSlaa underneath.”
That same theme has defined Goff’s start to the season. Through three games, he said he’s been focused on staying patient and not forcing frustration over the lack of deep shots.
“It’s not that we're not calling them,” he said. “It's just that they're playing with so much depth, and it's my job to not get frustrated and stay within myself and take the checkdowns, and I have, and it's been good.”
Asked what offenses can do to beat shell coverage, Goff’s answer was simple: “Run the ball well.” Detroit did that Sunday, and he noted the numbers - 150 rushing yards and 270 passing yards - as part of the reason the offense has stayed productive. He also said, “We’ll eventually hit one over the top and feel really good about it.”
Detroit has now scored 31 points in three straight games, and Goff’s reaction was short and dry: “Yeah, exactly. It's our lucky number.”
He also had a few words for the defense, which drew public criticism before showing up in a big way against the Jets. Goff said it was “awesome” to see that group respond, praising the week of preparation and the way the unit “rallied and did their thing.”
He noted the ups and downs on both sides of the ball and highlighted Chuck Clark for coming through when Detroit needed it most. “He keeps showing up, man,” Goff said.
“He's doing a great job.”
And yes, Goff was very aware that his block on Gibbs’ touchdown made the broadcast. He said he’s done that before, explained that he was just trying to get in somebody’s way, and admitted he probably took “the worst angle” because everything happens so fast.
He thought he may have gotten a piece of Jets safety Dane Belton, and when asked about the flex that followed, Goff laughed: “Did it show that? Yeah.
I was getting goaded on to do that, so I was like, 'All right.'"
He even had a quick nod for Skyler Gill-Howard, saying the blocking on that play was good and that he knew exactly what his job was: “blow up that edge player.”
As for whether the “vultures” are quieter now, Goff didn’t bite. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
In Other News...
Lions Just Reopened A Roster Spot With A Familiar Return
The Lions made a familiar practice-squad swap Tuesday, parting ways with cornerback Natrone Brooks and bringing back tight end Miles Kitselman. Kitselman is returning to Detroit after previously being waived with an injury settlement, a transaction that had temporarily taken him off the teams roster picture but left the door open for a reunion down the line.
Kitselmans return gives Detroit another look at a player the organization already knows, while the move also keeps the tight end room in motion after a series of roster adjustments at the position. The broader backdrop includes the injury settlement process, which can create an opening for a later return, and it comes amid other recent moves involving tight ends and defensive end Ahmed Hassanein. [Read more 🡒]
Dan Campbell Just Made Derrick Moores Path To Playing Time Clear
Derrick Moore has spent the early part of his Lions career a step behind, a familiar place for a rookie defensive end trying to climb a crowded depth chart while also dealing with lost practice time because of injury. For a Detroit defense that is still sorting through adjustments, the development curve has been especially important, and head coach Dan Campbell made it clear Moores next step is all about getting more work and turning those reps into trust.
Campbell said Moore needs those chances to keep growing, and that the expectation inside the building is he will improve and push for more playing time as he gets comfortable. Campbell also noted he has been spending extra time in defensive meetings to help with the ongoing adjustments on that side of the ball, which only adds to the sense that Detroit is trying to steady the group while waiting for younger pieces like Moore to catch up. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Have A Tough Center Decision Before Division Games
Juice Scruggs has handled the center job well through the first three games, giving the Lions something they needed in the middle of the offensive line after moving him into the role. He has graded out strongly and looked comfortable enough that Detroit now has a real decision to make as the schedule turns tougher, with divisional games looming against the Packers and Vikings.
Dan Campbell said Cade Mays is making progress in his recovery, but a Week 4 return may still be a stretch, and the Lions may choose to wait until after the bye before bringing him back into the mix. That leaves Detroit weighing continuity against the possibility of getting Mays back in place at center, a choice that could shape how the line holds up in the games that matter most for the division race. [Read more 🡒]