ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Jared Goff reflected on rookie center Kingsley Eguakun’s first career start after reviewing the game tape.
“I thought he did a good job. As far as I can evaluate his communication and whatnot, he was sharp,” Goff said. “He has some rookie mistakes certainly, but did a good job.”
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When asked about the biggest challenge for Kingsley, who has no prior NFL experience, Goff said, “I don’t know what the biggest challenge would be. It’s just any new player at any new position, there’s going to be different challenges.”
Vikings rematch
Looking ahead to a rematch against the Minnesota Vikings that beat them in Week 9, Goff emphasized the need for offensive improvement.
“Moving the ball, finding ways to move the ball a little bit more efficiently. Obviously, want to run the ball a little bit better and be able to move the ball in the passing game, exploit some of their pressures and whatnot,” Goff said.
Goff recalled the previous loss to them and the difficulties they faced against the opposing defense’s pressure.
“I remember their pressures were doing a good job getting home. I don’t think we really threw it or ran it very well, to be honest,” Goff said. “So yeah, again exploiting their pressures if they want to bring the pressures and then finding ways to find openings in the running game.”
On playing inside U.S. Bank Stadium, Goff described it as a tough but fun environment.
“Definitely tough. They’re loud. They know how to support their team and their defense and the whole thing,” he said. “But I think it’s a fun place to play. It’s a really cool stadium,” Goff said.
Addressing the Lions’ recent struggles in the running game, Goff pointed to execution as the key issue.
“Just pure execution. Being targeted correctly and executing correctly,” he said. “It’s not about different play calls, just execution. Being targeted correctly and executing the block and being where we need to be,” Goff said.
Mindset of team
Regarding the team’s mindset entering another game quickly, Goff said, “We need it. We know what we need to happen. We need to win these two and need Green Bay to lose there too. So we got to start by winning this first one and finding a way to do it.”
Goff praised tight end Anthony Firkser for his savvy and reliable hands.
“He’s savvy in space, and he’s got good hands. He’s smart. He feels zones well. He did a good job,” Goff said.
Goff also spoke highly of wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa’s growth throughout the season.
“He’s continuing to get better and evolve and learn. Some of the mistakes he made early, he doesn’t make anymore. He’s starting to laugh at those mistakes he was making early,” Goff said. “He’s doing a great job and getting better every week.”
On the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage, Goff said, “Who we want to be is doing that, and it’s something we want to do. Dan’s been emphasizing that, and those big boys up front want to get back to that and be about who we are.”
Christmas
Goff shared a childhood Christmas memory.
“I remember I had a bike one year. Little BMX bike. I was probably 10. Little red BMX bike sitting under the tree. I never forget that one,” Goff said. When asked who gave it to him, he smiled and said, “Santa Claus.”