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The Detroit Lions hold a 1-1 record after Week 2, following a 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 15. Jared Goff struggled, averaging only 5.6 yards per attempt on 55 passes for 307 yards, prompting some fans and analysts to question if backup quarterback Hendon Hooker should replace him, or if such suggestions are overly dramatic.

‘It’s More About Ben Johnson Than Goff’
In a September 16 article for Pride of Detroit, beat writer John Whiticar expressed his “mild concern” over Goff’s performance in the first two games. However, Whiticar strongly dismissed the idea of benching Goff for Hooker, stating, “Turning to Hendon Hooker is not in the realm of reality despite what some are spewing online.”

Whiticar emphasized that Goff’s struggles are often a result of the overall offensive rhythm. “When the offense is clicking, Goff thrives. But when things fall out of sync, it leads to widespread struggles,” he wrote. He pointed to Goff’s failure to target deep receivers during the Buccaneers game and his questionable decision-making, which led to an interception and near-miss plays.

Despite Goff’s issues, Whiticar put more blame on offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, suggesting that the offense’s overall dysfunction is the larger problem. He concluded, “Goff needs to improve, but he is just one piece of a struggling offense.”

Hendon Hooker Isn’t the Solution
In a similar vein, Mike Payton of A to Z Sports criticized the idea of starting Hooker, calling it “insane.” He noted Hooker’s lack of NFL experience, having only gone through his first preseason, minicamp, and training camp this offseason. Payton added that the Lions were uncertain whether Hooker would even serve as Goff’s backup until the final days of training camp.

Both writers agree that Goff remains the best option for the Lions, with Payton stating, “It’s going to be a while before Hooker is ready to be a starting quarterback.”