Detroit Lions signal-caller Jared Goff is getting encouraging news at just the right moment before the new NFL campaign kicks off.

The Lions are currently in that quieter stretch of the offseason when roster movement is happening, but it’s nowhere near the hectic pace expected later in July. Detroit is evaluating its depth and figuring out where tweaks might be needed before training camp begins.

Although the Lions don’t have a crowded quarterback group, they do feature Jared Goff, their clear-cut franchise leader who’s helped guide them through two of the most impressive years in team history. Goff may not have the flair of stars like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, but his dependability has stood out—aside from last postseason’s letdown versus the Commanders.

Now, Goff has gotten an encouraging update that bodes well for Detroit’s outlook and serves as a reminder of why he’s entrenched as their starter.

Goff consistently puts up strong numbers, yet he’s occasionally overshadowed by higher-profile quarterbacks. Much of a QB’s performance hinges on protection, and Goff benefits from one of the league’s stronger offensive lines.

In an article released Friday, June 27, Mason Cameron of PFF highlighted the NFL’s top quarterbacks based on time to throw in 2023. Surprisingly, Goff cracked the top 10 among QBs who hold the ball over 2.5 seconds, ranking ninth overall.

Lamar Jackson of the Ravens claimed the top spot with a stellar 95.0 passing grade. Goff landed at No. 9 with a solid 77.5. Others in the top five include Justin Herbert, Derek Carr, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen.

Cameron even spotlighted Goff, praising him for his progress: “The Lions QB might not extend plays like others here, but he effectively buys time to allow deeper routes to develop.” He also noted Goff led all listed QBs in yards per attempt (9.7) and topped the NFL in accuracy rate (65.5%).

With those kinds of metrics, Goff clearly has the tools to be among the league’s most productive passers this year. It’ll be intriguing to watch how he performs without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Their chemistry was elite, but Goff may now be mature enough to thrive with more independence.

Another Detroit player is turning heads as well—rookie Ahmed Hassanein, who appeared in a Detroit Times clip bench pressing over 400 pounds. For those of us used to lifting just 10, that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers also complimented the newcomer in a May press conference: “You’re looking at an extraordinary young man. To come to the U.S. just eight years ago, learn the language, and now get drafted into the NFL—that’s truly remarkable.”