Lions QB Jared Goff on pace to accomplish an incredible NFL first vs. Bucs

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is an efficient day away from achieving an incredible NFL first.

Entering the Lions’ divisional-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Goff has recorded a completion percentage of 75 percent or higher in each of his last two postseason appearances. If he can do it again on Sunday, he’ll become the only QB since at least 1970 to accomplish the feat in three straight playoff games.

Goff is one of only six QBs to do it twice, the most recent being Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes during the 2021 playoffs.

The company surrounding Goff might be a good omen for him and the Lions. While all, including Goff, have played in at least one Super Bowl, the last four, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Nick Foles and Mahomes, won Lombardi Trophies.

Goff’s streak goes back to the division round of the 2020 postseason. He posted a 77 percent completion percentage in a 32-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers while with the Los Angeles Rams before completing 81 percent in the Lions’ victory in this year’s wild-card round over those same Rams.

Along with his high completion percentage, Goff threw for 277 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, helping the Lions win the franchise’s first playoff game since 1992.

While standout numbers are an integral part of what Goff brings, he provides the Lions with much more.

Upon arriving in Detroit, Goff’s reputation wasn’t the greatest. Jettisoned by the team that made him the No. 1 overall pick only five years prior, he was viewed as a player who failed to meet expectations. However, with his back against the wall, he’s overcome adversity and, in turn, helped the Lions do the same.

Speaking with reporters ahead of the team’s postseason tilt with the Bucs, head coach Dan Campbell recalled Goff’s hard-working, upbeat and infectious demeanor while the Lions were 0-10-1 en route to a 3-13-1 finish in 2021. Two seasons later, they’re playing for a spot in the NFC title game.

“I know exactly what he is when it’s at its worst,” Campbell said, via the Lions. “I’ll take that guy any day.”