reporters/analysts on the SEATTLE game

Three Takeaways: Rams 24-3 Loss to Seahawks

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Three-Takeaways-Rams-24-3-Loss-to-Seahawks/fa29deda-0a3b-41ae-a83f-9a0a3c595da6

The Rams played the Seahawks tight in the first half of Thursday’s contest, but ultimately fell 24-3 after Seattle pulled away in the second half. After a hectic short week, here are three takeaways from the matchup, which left Los Angeles 4-10 on the 2016 season.

1) Goff in concussion protocol

Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff was under heavy pressure for much of the game, taking four sacks — plus another wiped off by penalty — and seven quarterback hits. But Goff left the game in the fourth quarter after sustaining a hard, legal hit from Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman on a scramble.

With the Rams in the red zone, Goff took off to his left and darted down the sideline. He was inside the five-yard line when Sherman stopped the QB in his tracks, jarring the ball loose in the process. While L.A. kept possession on the fumble, the officials called timeout prior to the next play to escort Goff of the field to be examined.

Interim head coach John Fassel later confirmed that Goff was in the concussion protocol.

“You admire his courage, but he’s just got to get out of bounds,” Fassel said.

Goff finished 13-of-25 passing for 135 yards. Fassel said he thought Goff played “pretty sharp” in his fifth NFL start.

“We were pressing as soon as we got behind by a score or two. And then we’ve got to drop back and throw it, and their defensive line can start rushing the passer,” Fassel said. “What I’ve learned about Jared, really these last couple days when I maybe spent a little bit more time around the quarterback position is he’s a really tough kid. He’s a really tough kid. And that’ll take him a long ways.

“We’ve just got to do more in all three phases to help him out,” Fassel continued, “whether it’s field position or running the football.”

It’s unclear as of yet how long Goff will be sidelined or who would start in his stead against San Francisco next week.

2) Fassel’s first game

Fassel experienced a whirlwind few days in getting promoted from special teams coordinator to interim head coach, but when he reached turf at CenturyLink stadium, he took a moment to appreciate what was going on.

“It was — that’s pretty crazy,” Fassel said. “Obviously, losing was disappointing. But standing out in the stadium, and my dad was on the sideline, and just looking out at the stands, [thinking] how quickly things change in basically 72 hours — from Monday morning to Thursday afternoon.

“It’s just a lesson for me that you always have to be ready to adapt and take on responsibilities that you didn’t anticipate,” Fassel continued. “But it’s an experience that, of course, I’ll never forget.”

Fassel said getting through the game was a collaborative effort, as he leaned on assistant head coach Dave McGinnis, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, offensive coordinator Rob Boras, and defensive backs coach Brandon Fisher for their expertise in game management.

And when it comes to the aggressive early moves — going for it on 4th-and-1, the fake punt — Fassel said those were all in the plan.

“We had decided before the game that if we were in certain situations — like that 4th-and-1 — that we were going to go for it,” Fassel said. “So it wasn’t a call after third down where I told Rob to go for it. We were prepared that if we were in almost that exact situation, we were going to go for it. So there wasn’t any discussion on the sideline. It was, we’re going for it.

“And then with the fake punt,” Fassel added, “I thought we had the look and we’ve just got to play catch. And we didn’t, and that, obviously, cost us three points because they got a field goal off that position.”

With the Rams’ record at 4-10, those are strategies Fassel may well employ more in the last two games.

3) Just two remain this season

The Rams have been through a tough, emotional week and now have a couple days to rest and regroup before the final two games of the season. And while the Rams have already made a coaching change, Fassel and players said they are motivated to finish the year strong.

“You’re playing for your job because that next head coach, whoever comes in, is going to see — definitely going to see your effort on film.,” running back Todd Gurley said. “And if he doesn’t like it, then you might not be here.”

“I’m going to keep fighting for these guys because this is the last time the locker room is going to look like this — that’s just to be honest. There’s a lot of guys that aren’t going to be here next year,” offensive lineman Rodger Saffoldsaid. “This is interviews for guys these last three games to get on a team.”

“I think the players understand that what they put on tape will be important for them for jobs with the Rams or jobs somewhere else in the NFL next year,” Fassel said. “I think, as disappointing as things have been, hopefully everybody looks at this as an opportunity to prove to themselves and to other employees that I’ll fight through this and I’m going to be darn good when things aren’t so great. That’s what I’m going to do.”