Who Should I Start? Jared Goff or C.J. Stroud

Tuesday, February 18, 9:51 AM

New Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton told FOX 2 Detroit's Dan Miller that the team's offense in 2025 will remain "predicated" on quarterback Jared Goff. "I think it's big because it all starts with the quarterback," Morton said. "Just kind of knowing him -- and when I was here, I was in the quarterback room. So, I have a feel of what he likes, what he doesn't." Morton spent a year with the Lions as a senior offensive assistant in 2022 before coaching for the Denver Broncos the last two years. He also called played under Todd Bowles as the New York Jets offensive coordinator in 2017 but was fired after one season. Morton has been in non-play-calling roles the last six years. He'll be taking over the No. 1 offense and has big shoes to fill after Ben Johnson left to be the head coach for the division-rival Chicago Bears.

Wednesday, July 16, 2:47 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a sophomore slump following his fantastic rookie season in 2023 out of Ohio State. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games in Year 1, he regressed to just over 3,700 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in Year 2. Entering 2025 in what could set him up for a lucrative contract extension, Stroud has trained hard to improve his physical fitness. "I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand." Last season, Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, and Stroud was sacked 63 times, good for the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams (68). The offensive line could remain an issue after the team traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but sacks are often largely a quarterback stat, too. If Stroud can become more dynamic operating inside and outside of the pocket, it could create more downfield opportunities for pass-catchers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Higgins, among others.