Alright, so get this: Through the first three weeks of the 2026 NFL season, our very own Sam Darnold is tied with Detroit Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff for the fewest deep passing attempts in the league, with just three throws of 20 or more air yards. That’s a wild stat when you consider the Lions are rolling with a 2-1 record and a passing attack that’s borderline top-five in efficiency right now. This Sunday night matchup between the Lions and the Carolina Panthers, who sit at 1-2, is being called a “litmus test” game for both franchises, and this deep-ball issue for Detroit is a big part of why.
Lions’ Passing Game: Efficient But Lacking Explosives
Look, the Detroit Lions have been incredibly consistent with their passing game over the last three years, and early in 2026, they’re showing off one of the most efficient passing attacks in football. Goff’s numbers are solid: 3rd in passer rating (116.1), 10th in yards per attempt (7.4), 6th in dropback EPA (0.286), and 5th in success rate (53.2%). That’s a top-10 unit, no doubt. The pass protection has been stellar, too. Goff faces pressure on only 32.2% of snaps, which is the seventh lowest rate in the league, and their offensive line ranks second in pass-block win rate at 60%. So, Goff has time, he’s efficient, and he’s got weapons.
But here’s the kicker: For all that efficiency, they’re missing explosive plays. Detroit has only nine passes of 20 yards or more through three games, which ranks them 14th in the league. This is a team that finished top-five in that category in each of the last four seasons! Why the sudden drop? Teams are playing deep-shells against them, daring them to run, and the Lions haven’t found a way to pierce that coverage. That’s where the Sam Darnold comparison comes in. Goff’s just not airing it out deep, completing only one of those three deep attempts. It’s an interesting trend for both QBs, and something fans here in Seattle will be watching closely for our guy.
Panthers’ Pass Defense: A Mixed Bag Early On
Trying to get a firm grasp on the Panthers’ pass defense after three weeks? Good luck. It’s like trying to catch smoke. In Week 1, the Bears’ offense just shredded them. But then, they held their next two opponents “relatively in check.” The problem? Neither of those opposing teams had “the most explosive passing attacks in football.” So, are the Panthers actually good, or have they just faced some duds?
The stats are all over the place. They’re 6th in passer rating allowed (79.0) and 6th in yards per attempt allowed (6.1), which sounds promising. But then you look at 11th in dropback EPA allowed (0.004) and 18th in success rate allowed (46.8%). The article says those first two “promising” data points might not be the real story, especially since most of the damage done against them has been on the ground. So, it’s a bit of an enigma. They’re looking for a defining win to silence some doubters, and this Lions team, even with their deep-ball issues, will be a real test.
What’s at Stake on Sunday Night
This Sunday night game isn’t just another matchup; it’s a real “litmus test” for both the Lions and the Panthers. Both teams are considered competitors for their respective divisions, and they’re both hungry for that defining win. The Lions are 3.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook, but with Detroit’s current struggle to hit those deep shots and the Panthers’ inconsistent, yet sometimes stingy, pass defense, this one could be a lot tighter than the oddsmakers think. Will Goff finally start throwing it downfield, or will the Panthers force him to keep it short? It’s going to be a fascinating battle to watch, with both teams looking to prove they belong at the top of their divisions.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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