'It Sucks,' Jared Goff Talks Lions' Elimination from NFL Playoff Race After Xmas Loss

Having the door to the NFL playoffs officially closed "sucks" in the words of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

"We'll reflect on the whole season after next week, but yeah, it sucks," he told reporters after losing 23-10 to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.

▶️ Full Lions-Vikings Recap

04:52

Detroit had to replace both of its coordinators after Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn left in the offseason to become head coaches. Some key starters, including tight end Sam LaPorta, offensive tackle Taylor Decker, safety Brian Branch and cornerback Terrion Arnold, have missed multiple games.

Still, failing to qualify for the postseason is a far cry from the last few years for the Lions.

"I'm going to be looking at a lot. I'm going to be looking at a lot of things because I do not like being home for the playoffs," head coach Dan Campbell said. "And I know our guys don't either. And there again, whenever you lose, it takes a village. Everybody's involved, including myself. So, I'm always going to look at myself first."

The nature of Thursday's elimination will be especially tough to bear.

The Vikings won despite gaining only 161 yards of offense. Max Brosmer, who was filling in for an injured J.J. McCarthy, went 9-of-16 for 51 yards and was sacked seven times.

Defense won the day for the Vikings. They forced six turnovers and held Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs to 2.4 yards per carry on the ground.

At 8-8, Detroit could be staring at a losing record because the Chicago Bears won't be taking it easy in Week 18. What had been such a bright future for the franchise after winning 15 games in 2024 now looks a little murkier.

Campbell said he and general manager Brad Holmes "have a lot of decisions to make" and "a lot of things to look at" in the offseason.

Holmes has already handed out a lot of extensions, so Detroit won't be flush with salary cap space. Tough choices will have to be made with the roster in order to make additions.

Campbell might also take a pragmatic view of his coaching staff after offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard failed to match their predecessors.

A total overhaul isn't required in the Motor City, but Campbell and Holmes will know they can't afford to sit on their hands, either.