"Can't trust him... he doesn't elevate anyone": Jason Whitlock rips Jared Goff for 5 turnovers while pitting Lions QB vs. Matthew Stafford

Jared Goff threw for 197 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the Detroit Lions' loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The loss means the Lions have been eliminated from playoff contention in the 2025 season.

Jason Whitlock went scorched earth on Goff after the game.

"I've never liked Goff. Can't trust him. Don't care what the numbers say. He doesn't elevate anyone. Stafford made/makes everyone better. Goff benefits from being surrounded by great personnel," wrote Whitlock on X (formerly Twitter).

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Whitlock pitted Goff against fellow quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford is this season's MVP frontrunner, and he'll forever be linked with his Detroit Lions compatriot.

The Lions and Los Angeles Rams made a blockbuster trade after the 2020 season. The trade saw Matthew Stafford join the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and draft picks. It was one of the biggest trades of 2021.

Jared Goff would go on to take the Lions back to the playoffs, while Matthew Stafford would guide the Los Angeles Rams to a win in Super Bowl LVI. However, this season has seen the Pro Bowl-caliber QBs have contrasting fortunes.

Jared Goff and the Lions are out of playoff contention

Jared Goff and Co. knew that they needed to win their final two games to have a chance of making the playoffs. Their opponent in Week 17 was the already eliminated Minnesota Vikings.

Goff and his teammates were no match for the Vikings at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They lost 23-10 and will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. It's a result that raises some concern for the typically assured Lions front office.

The Lions are .500 for the season, and clearly have struggled to replace talented coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Johnson is excelling in Chicago, having led the Bears to a playoff berth, while Glenn has his work cut out with the New York Jets.

The Lions will close out the season with a matchup against the Chicago Bears. They'll look to record a win and give their fans something to smile about after a difficult campaign.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe