A year after throwing for 4,629 yards and a 37-12 TD-INT ratio, Goff posted similar numbers in 2025 (4,233 yards, 33-7 TD-INT ratio in 16 games). His passer rating fell just 4.8 points from the mark he recorded in 2024. But the Lions’ once outrageously explosive offense took a noticeable step back in 2025, no longer striking fear into the hearts of opponents.
Goff struggled at times, especially in a 16-8 Week 11 road loss at Philadelphia, the first of five losses in their last seven games. While he still managed to keep the Lions in the game, he no longer torched defenses and the final numbers spoke volumes.
What people may not factor into their assessment of the Lions, however, is how pitching and personnel turnover hurt this team. Freshman offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to take the top job in Chicago, Detroit watched retired Frank Ragnowtire, tried to replace him by shuffling the line and pulling up guard Tate Ratledge, then suffered key injuries up front that hurt both their running and passing games. The Lions’ offense, once predicated on passing, failed to do so during their three-game losing streak in December, a result that could be pinned on their diminished blocking unit.
The issues were predictable, so much so that Ragnow tried to retire in an attempt to stem their collapse. He failed physically, however, leaving the Lions with the same depressing attitude up front that ultimately doomed them.
Goff is not responsible for these unfortunate results. But when people review the Lions’ tape, they’ll note that he wasn’t quite the same passer who routinely shredded opponents as he did in 2023 and 2024, in large part because Detroit’s offense wasn’t the same.
Fortunately, the Lions have the offseason to rebuild on both sides of the ball (their inconsistent defense could also use some upgrades). Detroit fans shouldn’t expect a change at center, but Goff clearly still has the full faith and confidence of his coach.