By Moses Joshua 
Inside the quarterback’s mindset after a crushing finish, controversial flags, and a season suddenly on the brink
The Detroit Lions walked off the field Sunday with more than just a 29–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They carried frustration, disbelief, and a growing sense of urgency. No one captured that emotional mix more clearly than quarterback Jared Goff, who faced reporters moments after a game that may ultimately define Detroit’s season.
From the chaos of the final play to the bigger-picture questions about identity and resilience, Goff’s comments painted a revealing picture of where the Lions stand — and what they still believe they can become.
A Final Play Filled With Hope — and Confusion
The ending was as dramatic as it was painful. Goff thought, for a fleeting moment, the Lions had done enough.
“Yeah, I knew there was a penalty. I was hoping it was defensive, and then we either have another play, or if (Amon-Ra St. Brown) Saint was down – when I saw he wasn’t down, hoping it’s defensive and we get the touchdown and win the game. It didn’t go that way, and we lost.”
That split-second optimism evaporated quickly when officials ruled offensive pass interference, wiping out what looked like a game-winning score. Goff said his immediate reaction wasn’t anger — it was confusion.
“I was trying to understand why we didn’t get a play to end the game. Offensive penalty, you don’t. That’s all I was trying to understand.”
Goff on the OPI Calls: Frustration Without Finger-Pointing
While much of the postgame discourse centered on officiating, Goff resisted the urge to unload on the referees, even while acknowledging the sting.
“Those guys have a hard job. I don’t want to make any excuses or anything like that. We’ve been on the right side of a lot of these. We’ve been on the wrong side of a lot of these.”
However, he did admit one moment stood out more than the final play.
“I think a few plays prior, the one on (Isaac) TeSlaa was a little bit more – in my head, for interpretation.”
Still, Goff emphasized perspective.
“They’ve got to make the calls, and I promise you if I were sitting on the other side of that right now, we’d be saying great job. Those sting for sure, and you wish they weren’t called. So be it.”
A Third Quarter That Changed the Game
Beyond the officiating, Goff pointed to a critical stretch that put Detroit behind the eight ball long before the final snap.
“Yeah, it was hard to get a rhythm, but we did it to ourselves back there in three plays we get a safety, and they had two long drives. There is no one to blame but ourselves to get the ball, move the ball, and stay on the field.”
That inability to sustain drives kept the defense on the field and tilted the game toward Pittsburgh’s strengths.
The Missing Ground Game and Its Ripple Effect
For an offense built on balance, the lack of a consistent run game has become a glaring issue — and Goff didn’t shy away from it.
“Yeah, it makes it hard. I mean, that’s a big part of who we want to be. We’ve got two really good backs that we need to find a way to get them going and be able to create some holes and get them moving.”
Despite the struggles up front, Goff offered praise for a key fill-in.
“I thought Kings did a good job, man. I haven’t seen any of the tape. There are some young errors, of course, that are going to happen. But honestly, I thought he operated pretty well and was pretty level-headed for most of the game.”
Dan Campbell’s Message: Identity Under Pressure
With playoff odds shrinking, Goff revealed the tone of Dan Campbell’s postgame address — one focused less on standings and more on character.
“Find out who we are character-wise. Find out what we are made of. We know the percentages and whatnot. We know we are not eliminated, but we need some things to go our way.”
The message was simple but pointed.
“Find out who we are, see if we can win these last two, and see if we can get in. I know we will be dangerous if we can. That’s just the hard part.”
“I Know Exactly Who We Are”
When asked whether it was troubling not to have clarity this late in the season, Goff pushed back.
“I know who we are. I know exactly who we are. I think we’ve struggled to do it successfully every game.”
The belief hasn’t faded — execution has.
“I know who we are and know what we can be. It’s just certain games we haven’t been firing on all cylinders.”
Standing by TeSlaa and Looking Ahead
Goff also made it clear there would be no lingering blame directed at rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
“I think he’s got a great head on his shoulders… That one in particular, he should not hang his head about.”
He closed with a message rooted in resolve rather than resignation.
“Are we still going to be what we say we are and show up to work and do the whole thing on a short week? It’s tough… but were built for it. I’m excited to see guys bounce back and find a way to get a win this week.”
The Bottom Line
Jared Goff didn’t dodge the pain of the loss, but he didn’t drown in it either. His words reflected accountability, belief, and a quiet confidence that the Lions’ story isn’t finished — even if the margin for error is gone.
Now, with two games left and everything at stake, Detroit must prove that those words still carry weight on the field.