Los Angeles gained 54-51 in the one recreation in NFL historical past with each groups scoring over 50 factors. Goff was 31-of-49 for 413 yards and 4 touchdowns. Mahomes was 33-of-46 for 478 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Since then, Goff and Mahomes have been on totally different trajectories. Whereas Goff led the Rams to the Tremendous Bowl that season, their 13-3 loss to the Patriots marked the start of the tip of the QB’s time in L.A. He was traded to Detroit on Mar. 18, 2021.
Mahomes, in the meantime, gained the Tremendous Bowl the next season and did so once more in February. If one of many two QBs have been to copy their 2018 efficiency, it will be him.
The Lions have a troublesome project in Week 1 however the NFL’s choice to prop them up on primetime to start the season is the most important signal but of how far Detroit has come beneath head coach Dan Campbell.
It wasn’t way back that Detroit was the joke of the NFL. With some defensive enhancements in 2023, the Lions ought to make the playoffs in a weak NFC.
Detroit’s ranked fourth in whole offense a season in the past, averaging 380 yards per recreation. Goff had his greatest season since 2018.
2018: 364-of-561 (64.9 p.c), 4,688 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions
2022: 382-of-587 (65.1 p.c), 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns and 7 interceptions
The Lions have been final in whole protection, permitting 392.4 yards. They ranked within the backside three in opposition to the move and run.
Detroit invested in its protection this offseason, signing defensive backs Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Mosely and CJ Gardner-Johnson in free company whereas additionally deciding on linebacker Jack Campbell within the first spherical (18th total) in the course of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston IV will probably be a superb litmus check for a Kansas Metropolis offensive line that underwent reconstruction this offseason. Offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr., Andrew Wylie and backup Geron Christian left in free company and the Chiefs signed Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor to be their starters.
Smith was a legal responsibility at instances for the Buccaneers final season. He allowed 39 pressures and was flagged 12 instances, per information from Professional Soccer Focus. Taylor performed for the Jaguars and was a lot stronger, solely permitting 16 pressures.Â
The additions on each side will play a serious function when the 2 groups meet however all eyes will probably be on the 2 quarterbacks with the hope that the second act is nearly as good as the primary.
