Detroit – In the wake of the Lions’ 45-31 divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders, backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has sparked controversy with a candid post on social media. The veteran QB took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, suggesting that he had offered to step in during the game but was rebuffed by starting quarterback Jared Goff.
Bridgewater’s post read:
“I noticed Goff wasn’t at his best today. I tried to step in and offer to take over to salvage the situation, but that’s who he is—always believing he’s right. Well, the result speaks for itself.”
A Divisive Statement
The comment has sent shockwaves through Lions Nation, with fans and analysts alike debating its implications. While some see Bridgewater’s post as an honest and necessary critique, others have criticized the timing and tone, arguing that it undermines the team’s unity during a difficult moment.
One fan responded:
“This isn’t the time to point fingers. We win as a team, and we lose as a team.”
Meanwhile, others defended Bridgewater’s perspective, with one user writing:
“Teddy is just saying what we’re all thinking. If Goff wasn’t on his game, why not make a change?”
A Tough Day for Goff
Goff’s performance, while statistically solid, was marred by critical mistakes that swung the game in Washington’s favor. Despite throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns, his interception and fumble proved costly. Bridgewater, who has extensive experience as a starter in the NFL, was prepared to step in but never got the chance.
Coach Campbell’s Response
Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation during a post-game press conference, downplaying the controversy and emphasizing the team’s unity.
“Teddy and Jared are both competitors who want to win, and I respect that. At the end of the day, we made the decisions we felt were best for the team,” Campbell said. “We’ll address any concerns internally, but right now, our focus is on learning from this loss and moving forward.”
A Fracture in the Locker Room?
Bridgewater’s post raises questions about the dynamics within the Lions’ locker room. While the team enjoyed a stellar 15-2 regular season and secured the NFC’s top seed, the playoff loss has exposed potential cracks in the foundation.
What’s Next?
As the Lions head into the offseason, the team will need to address not only their on-field performance but also any lingering tensions behind the scenes. Whether Bridgewater’s comments signal a deeper issue or simply a moment of frustration remains to be seen.
With both quarterbacks under contract for the next season, the Lions’ leadership will need to ensure that the team’s unity and focus remain intact as they look to build on their successes and return stronger in 2025.