Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is wasting no time making his stance on quarterback Jared Goff clear. After studying extensive film during the interview process, Petzing came away convinced that Goff is playing at one of the highest levels of his career — and he plans to build the Lions’ offense around him.

In an exclusive interview with Pride of Detroit, Petzing delivered one of the strongest endorsements of Goff that a Lions coordinator has offered in years.

Petzing’s Film Study Changed Everything

Before interviewing with Detroit, Petzing admitted his exposure to Goff was limited. Like most coaches outside the division, he saw solid performances on TV but hadn’t fully evaluated him.

That changed once he broke down the tape.

“He’s been awesome. He’s as impressive as a quarterback as I’ve seen watching tape,” Petzing said. “When you really study him, you start to appreciate how good he’s been over the last couple of years.”

The deeper film study revealed elite command of the offense, processing speed, and consistency.

Rhythm, Timing, Vision — and Power

What impressed Petzing most was how Goff plays the position.

“When you have a guy that sees the game like he does, that can operate with that rhythm, timing, and vision, it’s really impressive,” Petzing explained. “He also has the physical tools — touch and the violence in his throwing motion.”

That combination allows Goff to layer throws, attack tight windows, and punish defenses that make mistakes.

Petzing also rejected the idea that Goff is only a pocket passer.

“Yes, he’s a pocket passer, but he’s made plays on the move, in the keeper game. He does so many things at a high level that put stress on a defense.”

The Details That Separate Elite Quarterbacks

Petzing emphasized that many of Goff’s best traits don’t show up on highlight reels.

“When a guy can see the field, check in and out of plays, get in and out of the huddle — those things get taken for granted,” Petzing said. “They make a massive difference in how an offense operates.”

Goff’s consistency over time is what matters most.

“He’s done that at such a high level for such a long time.”

Winning From the Pocket Still Matters

Petzing was blunt about what wins in the NFL.

“At some point, you’re going to have to win from the pocket,” he said. “When you play great defenses, they’re going to bring pressure.”

That’s why Goff excites him.

“He’s done that so consistently. That’s where you get really excited as a coach.”

Comparing Goff to Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett

Petzing has coached quarterbacks with very different skill sets, including Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett.

“Kyler wasn’t that type of quarterback, but Jacoby is a little bit more of that,” Petzing explained. “I’ve been around guys with similar skill sets.”

Then came the strongest statement of all:

“I love Jacoby. But Jared is probably a little more gifted and has played at a higher level. And that’s true.”

That is a coordinator publicly staking belief in his quarterback.

Relationship and Accountability Matter

Petzing also praised Goff’s leadership and work ethic.

“His love of the game, his willingness to grind, and his openness to being coached is special,” he said. “He allows me to be demanding of him.”

That mutual accountability is central to the partnership.

“I’m really excited to get to work with him.”

How Much Will Jared Goff Shape the Offense?

When asked how much Goff will influence the offensive scheme, Petzing answered with one word:

“Immensely.”

Bottom Line

Drew Petzing is not building an offense for Jared Goff — he is building it with him.

From pocket dominance and decision-making to leadership and preparation, Petzing believes Goff stresses defenses in every possible way. That trust could be the foundation for the Detroit Lions’ offense moving forward.