By Moses Joshua 
Detroit quarterback delivers historic outing in statement win over Bears
The Detroit Lions needed a response after a lackluster Week 1 showing. On Sunday at Ford Field, Jared Goff gave them much more than that. With precision, poise, and a flair for history, Goff dismantled the Chicago Bears in a 52–21 rout that not only lifted Detroit’s spirits but also reminded critics why he is trusted as the face of the franchise.
Goff Puts on a Clinic
From the opening snap, the Lions’ offense clicked in ways that echoed last season’s explosive form. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery opened the scoring on the ground before Goff took over through the air. What followed was one of the most efficient games of his career.
The Lions’ quarterback finished 23 of 28 for 334 yards and five touchdown passes, posting a 156.0 passer rating—just shy of his third career perfect game. The performance tied an NFL mark as Goff became one of the few passers to record multiple games with 300+ yards, an 80% completion rate, and a passer rating above 155.
According to Lions PR, he also extended his franchise record by throwing a touchdown in his 14th straight divisional matchup, including nine in a row against the Bears.
Silencing the Doubters
Week 1’s 27–13 loss to the Packers had sparked frustration, with questions swirling around both Goff and offensive coordinator John Morton. But against Chicago, the Lions left no room for doubt. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in three touchdowns, while Jameson Williams and Brock Wright added the other two. The offensive line gave Goff time to thrive, and Ford Field roared with every strike.
For fans, the turnaround was as much about reassurance as celebration. The 31-point win felt like proof that the offense can hum without former OC Ben Johnson pulling the strings. As one fan put it simply, “Tonight, Lions fans can sleep soundly knowing that Goff and the offense will be just fine without Johnson.”
Climbing the Franchise Record Books
Sunday wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about cementing a place in Lions history. With his third touchdown pass of the day, Goff surpassed Hall of Famer Bobby Layne’s 118 to move into second place on Detroit’s all-time touchdown list with 121. He achieved the feat in 30 fewer games than Layne.
Though still trailing Matthew Stafford’s franchise-best 282, Goff’s touchdown percentage (5.3%) edges Stafford’s (4.5%) and nearly matches Layne’s (5.4%). Last season, he already passed Layne for second in career passing yards as a Lion, further solidifying his standing among the greats to wear Honolulu blue.
Goff also notched his 40th regular-season win with Detroit, tying Greg Landry for third all-time. With his current trajectory and a contract extension secured in 2024, the Lions clearly see him as the long-term leader of this team.
A Statement Made
Big performances are often measured by timing as much as stats, and this Week 2 showcase carried both. Against his former coordinator, Goff not only led Detroit to its fourth straight 1–1 start but also reminded the league why he finished top five in MVP voting last season.
The Lions don’t just have a steady hand under center—they have a quarterback capable of silencing critics and writing his name deeper into the franchise’s story.