Dan Campbell just dropped some serious truth bombs about the connection forming between quarterback Jared Goff and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, saying the two are “working really well together” as the season gets underway. This isn’t just coach-speak; it’s a massive signal about what the offense could look like for the start of 2026, setting the vibe for the entire year.
The Tumultuous Path to a Fresh Start
Last year was a total whirlwind. Ben Johnson, the OC, jumped to become the Bears head coach in 2025. That left a huge hole, and John Morton stepped in. But it was a short ride. By mid-November, Campbell himself was calling the plays. You know things are wild when the head coach has to take over play-calling mid-season! After the 2025 season wrapped up, Morton was dismissed. So, the club went all-in on a fresh approach for 2026, bringing in Drew Petzing as coordinator. What’s interesting about Petzing is he was the Cardinals’ OC from 2023-2025, but unlike Morton, who had been a senior offensive assistant under Campbell, Petzing had no prior ties to the organization. This was a clean slate move, and you gotta wonder if that’s exactly what everyone needed to shake things up.
Unpacking Campbell’s “Pull The Best Out” Comments
Campbell didn’t hold back when asked what he’s liked about the Goff-Petzing connection. He focused directly on “their ability to work with each other and I feel like pull the best out of each other, if you will.” That’s high praise, especially this early in the season. Campbell specifically pointed out that Petzing “brings clarity in some areas,” which is huge. Every quarterback can use that kind of clear direction, and it’s always going to help Goff. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just Petzing dictating. Campbell also said that Goff has “these things that he sees, that he likes, that we’re capable of doing with what we have.” And the crucial part? Petzing is “open to those and we’ve used some.” This isn’t a top-down mandate; it’s a true, honest collaboration where Goff’s vision and input are clearly valued and being integrated into the offense. That kind of synergy could be absolutely massive for what we see on the field.
What This Early Chemistry Means For the Season
With Week 1 officially here, all eyes are gonna be laser-focused on how this brand-new partnership translates onto the field. That ability to “pull the best out of each other” isn’t just a nice phrase; it could seriously set the tone for the entire season. We’re talking about establishing early team form, getting those key player performances locked in, and showing what kind of early trends are emerging for this offense. If Goff and Petzing are truly gelling and making magic happen like Campbell says, fans have every single reason to be absolutely hyped for what’s coming next. This is the foundation getting built, and it’s exciting to see.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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