DETROIT – One of Jared Goff’s teammates called out Cam Newton for his recent comments about the Detroit Lions’ quarterback.
For the first half of the season, Goff was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL, but right now, he’s mired in a bit of a rough stretch -- three turnovers in three of the past four games (nine total).
It’s no coincidence that the Lions have also struggled during that span, going 2-2 with a pair of ugly losses and one very unconvincing victory.
Newton, a longtime Carolina Panthers quarterback and former MVP, shared his opinion of Goff and a few others on a show called “4th and 1.”
“Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jared Goff -- and, really, Dak Prescott -- these are game managers,” Newton said. “They’re not difference-makers. (They’re asked) not to lose the game. ... I don’t care what you do. You don’t have to score every time. You just don’t have to throw a pick every time, either.
“If we’re going to really call a spade a spade, a game manager is different than a game-changer.”
Some might not consider that assessment of Goff unfair or inaccurate, but Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson took exception.
“If Cam’s talking about (Jared Goff), then what are you?” Gardner-Johnson tweeted. “Last time I checked, you couldn’t manage a game. Stop coming for my QB.”
I doubt many fans have an issue with Newton calling Goff a game manager, but Gardner-Johnson is a veteran and a beloved teammate, so it’s no surprise to see him sticking up for his quarterback.
