Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema has ranked every top quarterback and pass catcher duo ahead of 2025. Detroit's combo of Goff and St. Brown placed a low sixth on the list in spite of some fantastic metrics.
"Over the past two seasons, no quarterback-pass catcher duo has generated more yards than Goff and St. Brown (3,260),” Sikkema detailed, “Goff’s 126.8 passer rating when targeting St. Brown ranks second only to Jayden Daniels’ 131.5 when targeting Terry McLaurin."
Shockingly, the unproven combo of C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins placed ahead of Goff and St. Brown in third, along with Daniels and McLaurin in fourth and the duo of Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans in the fifth spot. Goff and St. Brown should have been in the top-five, if not top-three on the list, simply given the yardage damage they have done and consistency they have shown.
Subtract St. Brown from the Lions and there is no question Goff struggles. Any of the other quarterbacks could theoretically still produce given their unique ability to move the pocket. It only makes what the Lions' pair is doing that much more impressive.
No matter how it is ranked, the connection between Goff and St. Brown is a winner for the Lions, and will be one of the key tenants of John Morton's offense in 2025. Having one of the best connections in the league is a big advantage for a new coordinator.
Jared Goff encouraged by John Morton's imprint on Lions' offense
Already, Goff has hinted to Morton making changes, but believes the core values the Lions have relied on will remain in place. To that end, he doesn't see much earth-shattering change this season.
"I'm sure casual fans would notice some (changes). Some of it is different, some of it is the same. He's got a long background of stuff he's liked that he's done, and then he was here for a year through a lot of our success. So there will be a lot of that carryover and some new,” Goff explained, “To be honest, I don't think that would have been any different. If you're returning with the same offense, you always add some wrinkles. Certainly, he has his flavor on the offense and has been doing a good job."
The safe bet? Morton continues to heavily lean on Goff and St. Brown, a duo he knows well. With this in mind, expect the combination to continue to prove why they shouldn't be slept on as a top grouping in the league.
