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Eric Woodyard
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — As the 2025 season began, Lions quarterback Jared Goff found it hard to envision a scenario where the Detroit Lions would miss the playoffs following a remarkable previous season.
However, as he departed from U.S. Bank Stadium on Christmas Day, that unsettling thought materialized, with the Lions officially out of playoff contention after a 23-10 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings in what was nearly the final regular season game.
«It sucks,» Goff expressed regarding the playoff miss. «We’ll reflect on the entire season after next week, but yeah, it sucks.»
The Lions (8-8) started the season with a 67% probability of making the playoffs, ranking fifth in the league as per ESPN Analytics, but have since stumbled, losing four of their last five games.
«At the end of the day you’ve got to tip your hat off to them, they had a good game plan, and we weren’t ready,» remarked Lions right tackle Penei Sewell. «Simple as that.»
Goff faced a tough day, being sacked five times while the Vikings’ defense caused five turnovers (two interceptions, three fumbles), matching a personal worst.
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Detroit concluded the game with a season-high total of six turnovers, having arrived at the matchup with only eight turnovers throughout Week 16, the least in the NFL.
Goff fumbled a snap in the first quarter, followed by RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 17 carries for 41 yards, fumbling during a rush early in the second quarter.
Goff also recorded two more fumbles in the fourth quarter.
«They did a good job on defense. They had a good plan and exploited some things on us,» said Goff, who completed 18 of 29 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown while under constant pressure. «They were able to get after us, adding an extra rusher a lot of times.»
Head coach Dan Campbell deemed the loss and playoff miss «disappointing» after the Lions reached a franchise-best 15-win season in 2024. The team has faced challenges adjusting to the offseason departures of both coordinators and has struggled to recapture last year’s success, despite a promising 5-2 start this season.
«I’m gonna be looking at a lot. I’m gonna be looking at a lot of things because I do not like being home for the playoffs,» Campbell stated. «And I know our guys don’t either. Whenever you lose, it takes a village. Everybody’s involved, including myself. So, I’m always gonna look at myself first.»
Detroit’s offensive line struggled significantly in the absence of starting left tackle Taylor Decker, who was ruled out due to illness, making it difficult to establish any offensive rhythm. The lone touchdown was achieved through a lengthy 19-play, 10:08 scoring drive that concluded with a leaping, 4-yard touchdown pass from Goff to rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa.
However, Goff faced pressure on 38% of his dropbacks and managed poorly under duress, converting just 4 of 8 attempts for 55 yards and an interception while facing pressure on Thursday.
Now with a total of eight losses this season, Detroit finds itself with more defeats than over the past two combined (27-7), and Campbell indicated he is prepared to make necessary roster adjustments in the offseason.
However, the immediate focus for the Lions remains on their upcoming match against the Bears to conclude the year, aiming for victory.
«[Lions general manager] Brad [Holmes] and I will have numerous decisions to make. A lot of considerations to evaluate,» Campbell noted. «The whats, the whys, the how do we need to improve. Because we need to improve.
«… I know this, it doesn’t take much for things to get off balance. Not as much as you would think.»
