Goff spoke after Detroit’s season finale, a 19-16 win at Chicago over former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s Bears, about finishing on a high note. “I think it is nice to finish on a high note,” he said, noting that playoff realities in April may differ and stressing the value of building on the way the team played down the stretch.
In a separate development, the Lions announced that Goff will play in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, replacing Sam Darnold. This marks Goff’s fifth Pro Bowl appearance. He joins NFC quarterbacks originally selected for the showcase, with Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott also among the quarterbacks in the conference lineup.
Detroit also made a major coaching change, parting ways with offensive coordinator John Morton after one season and naming Drew Petzing of the Arizona Cardinals as the new OC. Reactions to the hire were mixed on social media, with some fans expressing skepticism about the move and questioning its fit for the Lions’ offense.
Critics pointed to Petzing’s background with a franchise with a lengthy losing history, voicing concerns about his ability to translate his system to Detroit’s personnel and return the offense to its previous form. Time will tell whether he can deliver the strategic improvement the Lions seek.
Overall, Goff’s strong numbers and Pro Bowl acknowledgement provide a positive foundation as Detroit recalibrates its offense around him. The Lions will need continued development from the roster and buy-in from the new coordinator to translate individual achievement into team playoff results. The offseason conversation now centers on how Petzing’s scheme and staff will shape Detroit’s path back toward contention.
