Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Goff's ninth game? articles on Goff in OTAs & mini-camp & up to training camp
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May 24, 2017 at 9:12 am #69230
wvParticipantGoff will be playing, what?, game nine of his career soon? And it will be game one in his new system.
Ah well.
Jus somethin i read:
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link:http://www.stack.com/a/why-is-it-so-hard-for-a-rookie-quarterback-to-learn-an-nfl-playbook-an-inside-look-at-this-monumental-challenge
When you hear that a rookie quarterback is struggling with the Xs and Os of an offense, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He might be perfectly capable of diagramming the plays in a white board session, for example. But there’s a big difference between knowing a system and owning a system. If you want to have success at the highest level, you can’t just know the offense—you have to own it. That means having absolute conviction in your own knowledge, to the point where you can confidently orchestrate an offense. If a quarterback’s not at that level, it comes through in their play. In the NFL, an unsure quarterback is an ineffective one.“I see a difference between knowing something and owning something. My name is Jordan William Palmer—I’ll never screw it up, I will never say ‘um,’ I will never say it out of order. I own that information. A lot of quarterbacks play knowing the system but not owning it,” Palmer says. “And if you don’t own it, it slows down your process. The ball doesn’t come out as quick. You’re not as accurate. You’re not as sure. When you watch the best quarterbacks play—Brady, Brees, Carson Palmer—they’re not really reading stuff. They know the offense so well and they know the coverages so well, that they’re essentially just waiting for defenders to get out of the way so they can throw it . . . it’s just impossible for these rookies to come in and do that.”
RELATED: 5 Attributes College Coaches Look For in a Quarterback
When you consider that your average NFL play call might sound something like “H-Set to Gun Spread Right H Hot Duel China Drive F3 Alert Mustang Dragon on a White One,” you realize how difficult it must be for a rookie quarterback to own that information before the start of the regular season. (That’s an actual play call Palmer shared with us.)
To make things even more stressful, the expectations for rookie quarterbacks to contribute right away have never been greater. If you’re a quarterback selected in the first or second round nowadays, you’re practically guaranteed to see significant time during your first season. Ten years ago, that wasn’t the case. Palmer believes the reduced patience in rookie quarterbacks is a result of GMs and head coaches having shorter leashes than they used to.
“GMs and head coaches don’t get five-year plans anymore. They get two-, three-year plans now. So the pressure to play right away is exceedingly high,” Palmer says. “When Carson [Jordan’s older brother] came into the league in 2003 as the first overall pick, he didn’t play a snap his rookie year. He was a healthy scratch. Jon Kitna started every game, and Carson got to sit and watch.” Palmer believes that Christian Hackenberg—the New York Jets’ second-round pick—is actually in a better position right now than Goff. Hackenberg’s currently fourth on the Jets’ depth chart and isn’t likely to see significant time this season. “There’s no pressure, Christian can learn at his own pace. In L.A., they’re saying they’re going to let Jared learn at his own pace, but make no mistake about it—everyone wants his pace to be really fast,” Palmer says.
It’s easy to get caught up in the extravagant contracts and the million-dollar endorsements, but the truth is that rookie quarterbacks might have it harder than ever. Not only is the gap between the college game and the pro game cavernous, but NFL coaches are now limited in the amount of time they can spend with their rookie signal-callers.
“NFL coaches have limitations on time. They can’t just meet all day and all night. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement changed that,” Palmer says. “Ken Zampese [former Cincinnati Bengals QB coach, now the team’s offensive coordinator] taught me football. I didn’t learn football until I got into my second year in the league. But I met with that guy all day and all night, legally. Now, you can’t do that.”
When you consider all of these factors, you realize that the expectations of a highly-drafted quarterback have become astonishingly high. It doesn’t matter how smart or how motivated he is—mastering an NFL system takes time, patience and thousands upon thousands of reps. “Experience is so valuable. It’s just impossible for these rookies to come in and [own an offense], Andrew Luck or not. You need that experience,” Palmer says.
May 24, 2017 at 9:39 am #69231
sanbaggerParticipantGood article…thanks for posting.
After reading that it just reinforces what I have believed…how can some already believe Goff is a bust after that debacle last year? The entire offense was a mess and Goff was trying to learn while starting from behind.
I also don’t look at it like this is a make or break year for him, he has shown qualities that are rare for a young guy and has proven to me he is committed and I believe that’s half the battle….now….will that translate? TBD
May 24, 2017 at 9:46 am #69232
AgamemnonModeratorIt is not just rookie QBs. It is anybody, anytime that adds something new to his game. First you have to learn the new technique, then you have integrate that into your game in real time under stress conditions. It is always beneficial to learn new stuff, but until you can use it without thinking, you will take a hit on performance. Coming from an Air Raid Offense and only 3 years of that, Goff has quite a bit to learn. Palmer is right on mark. Brother of Carson Palmer. btw, he was Mannion’s coach for his proday. Mannion comes from 4 years of a pro system, coached by an ex pro coach. That doesn’t prove one guy is better than the other, but one has a big head start.
Here is Palmer in video. I do like Goff, I just like Mannion better.
AgamemnonMay 24, 2017 at 10:01 pm #69266
znModeratormerlin wrote:
Every practice I attended last summer there were “wow” throws by Jared. Obviously he had issues with protections and calls, but just on sheer arm talent it was pretty obvious why he went high when you watch him throw even last year. Just multiple instances I can recall of him rifling that thing down the field and also another thing he did exceptionally well in practices that didn’t show in games was his fade route in the endzone. Not sure why they didn’t feature that, given how good his throws looked in camp at least.
But anyway. If his form is better from his offseason work it’s really going to be special watching him this year. Can’t wait.
May 25, 2017 at 7:13 pm #69307znModeratorGoff Learning New Offense Quickly, Exhibiting Quality Leadership
Myles Simmons
There’s a clear learning curve for any player learning his second offensive system in just two years in the NFL. That curve might be even steeper for a quarterback.
But by all accounts, Jared Goff has done quite well in picking up head coach Sean McVay’s offensive scheme during the Rams’ 2017 offseason program.
“It’s a way different offense. Personally, from my brief experience with it, I’ve had a quicker time learning it — easier time learning it,” Goff said on Monday. “I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or what not, but I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”
“He’s really grasped the offense surprisingly fast, especially for a new guy,” offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur said of Goff at rookie minicamp earlier this month. “When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that, but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”
Though the Rams have just begun Phase III of the offseason program with OTAs, Goff’s progress has been encouraging for the coaching staff.
“I think he’s done a nice job just getting better every single day,” McVay said on Monday. “We know that anytime you’re not truly live in some of these periods, it’s always a little bit more difficult. I thought he’s done a nice job managing the huddle, got in and out today. He’s seeing some things, progressing through based on what coverages we’re seeing.”
Part of that growth is likely due to the way McVay sets up his offense. The head coach has often said he wants to make the hardest position on the field — quarterback — as easy to play as possible. Goff said he’s been able to sense that through his work learning the scheme with fellow quarterback Sean Mannion.
“There’s a lot of things that may have been on our plate before aren’t now. But, there’s also some things that are. It goes back and forth,” Goff said. “Obviously, it’s still a tough position but he’s done a good job in the past and with me and Sean so far. He’s taken a lot off of our plate.”
In addition to Goff’s growth on the field, he’s also been making strides off it. Coaches and players have both praised the quarterback for his leadership during the offseason program. Goff said Monday it’s all part of being the signal-caller, but the most important thing he does is try to be himself.
“I’ve developed leadership skills since I was seven-years-old playing the position,” Goff said. “I’ve tried different things. I’m growing as a person, as a player and as a leader, so everything is always evolving.”
“I think there’s different types of ways that guys lead, but what resonates with players is if you’re genuine and authentic about it. I think he’s got a nice way of just being himself and guys naturally gravitate towards him from what I’ve seen so far,” McVay said.
One example came during rookie minicamp, when Goff was seen observing the first practice. At the time, LaFleur credited the quarterback for taking a step to encourage players who were coming in.
“That’s more so for myself to just learn and be around the guys as much as I can. I don’t know if I’m consciously thinking about what it looks like — I want to do it just to be here,” Goff said. “The rookie day, I just wanted to see the rookies. I didn’t really have anything to do here. I got a little treatment and figured I would watch the receivers to see what we got. But yes, I just try to be around as much as possible.”
“He’s always one of the first people in here. He’s definitely always the last person out,” running back Todd Gurley said. “He’s just been doing a great job, just learning every day, getting better, in there with the coaches, attention to detail. Then just trying to make sure everybody else is on top of their game as well. He’s been doing a great job, doing what a quarterback is supposed to do. He’s going to lead this team.”
May 25, 2017 at 8:33 pm #69315znModeratorHere’s why Year 2 should look much better for Rams quarterback Jared Goff
VINCENT BONSIGNORE
As observations go, it probably falls more into the can’t-be-seen-without-a-microscope category. But the most astute scientists will tell you items unable to be detected by the human eye are sometimes the most critical, so the relatively casual critique Robert Woods made about Jared Goff might foretell something more significant.
Woods, the Rams’ free agent wide receiver pickup, and Goff, the second-year quarterback on whom so much of their future success depends, have been consistent workout partners almost since the moment Woods signed last March. Woods might be only 25, but the four NFL seasons he has accrued involved five starting quarterbacks. And that’s four too many, given the timing, chemistry and comfort level required for quarterbacks and wide receivers to prosper together.
The former USC star would like nothing better than to develop a long, monogamous working relationship with Goff over the next few years, although that is largely dependent on Goff fulfilling the promise and potential the Rams envisioned upon drafting him first overall in 2016.
And as the early stage of their partnership evolves, Woods is on the lookout for evidence to support that conclusion.
A small sample of which was recently presented
A week ago, playing against a certain defensive look in practice, Goff misfired on a throw to Woods. The two hashed it out in conversation and conferred about it in the classroom. And when faced with the same defensive package against the same play this week during a Rams’ Organized Team Activity practice, the result was decidedly different.
“This time he threw a perfect pass,” said Woods, who seemed hardly surprised by the manner in which Goff made the adjustment or the pristine throw he delivered.
These are traits Woods has already recognized in Goff during their short time together.
“Work ethic, arm and accuracy,” Woods said, describing Goff. “You see him coming out here, always working, first to answer the question in the meeting rooms. He’s always listening. Always asking questions.”
That isn’t to suggest Goff will make the leap from the struggling rookie we saw in 2016 to All-Pro in 2017. Or that long-term success is guaranteed for the former Cal star. But given the natural progression from Year 1 to Year 2, the rebuilt infrastructure and support system the Rams have supplied Goff with this offseason and the more certain and confident demeanor he has presented so far during OTAs, there’s compelling reason to believe the 22-year-old will take a positive step forward this year.
“I think he’s done a nice job just getting better every single day,” said Sean McVay, the young coach with whom the Rams have entrusted the development of their valuable asset.
McVay’s hiring was step one in a multi-faceted off-season operation designed to enhance Goff’s development.
The 31-year-old coach’s offensive background traces all the way back to Bill Walsh — by way of McVay’s grandfather and former 49ers architect John McVay, as well as former Walsh understudies Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan. The primary pillars of McVay’s offense rest on a foundation built by teaching and the core objective of making the hardest position on the field – quarterback – as easy as possible to play.
Those might seem like standard principals across the NFL, but execution, adherence and dedication can vary from team to team and coach to coach. And Goff already senses a different level of instruction working with McVay and his staff, which includes experienced offensive teachers in coordinator Matt LaFleur, quarterback coach Greg Olson and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.
“(The offense is) way different,” Goff said. “ … I’ve had a quicker time learning it, easier time learning it. I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or whatnot, but I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”
And already McVay’s objective of making the quarterback position more user-friendly is apparent.
“Yes, you can definitely tell,” Goff said. “There’s a lot of things that may have been on our plate before aren’t now. But, there’s also some things that are. It goes back and forth. Obviously, it’s still a tough position but he’s done a good job in the past and with me and Sean (Mannion) so far. He’s taken a lot off of our plate.”
Phase 2 in the offseason operation was improving the level of talent around Goff, which included the signing of Woods, veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and center John Sullivan and the drafting of tight end Gerald Everett and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds.
Goff was following the moves just like everyone else.
“I’m always watching,” he said. “I was excited about it. From Robert to Whitworth to Sullivan, to all of the guys that we drafted. It’s been really exciting to see. Exciting to see where their mentally is and, more than anything, I think they got some high-character guys in here … just some veteran guys that know what they’re doing and can not only help me, but can help everyone around them.”
Phase 3 is putting everything into motion in the classroom and on the practice field. Goff has been a mainstay at the Rams facility throughout the offseason — with participation amped up now that the Rams are in OTAs — while also working with private quarterback coaches Tom House and Adam Dedeaux to fill in the time players and teams are not allowed to be in contact, and informal workouts with Rams teammates at Westlake High and various area colleges.
He’s noticeably bigger from last year, having added 10 pounds to his wiry frame to continue the gradual yearly growth spurt he’s experienced for as long as he can remember.
“Every year I’ve kind of gotten bigger and stronger, and I’m still growing,” he said. “I don’t think I’m growing in height, as much as I’m getting a little bit wider.”
His team stature is also expanding, fueled by a work ethic others have noticed, the way he carries himself and how he interacts with teammates.
“He’s always one of the first people in here. He’s definitely always the last person out,” running back Todd Gurley said. “He’s just been doing a great job, just learning every day, getting better, in there with the coaches, attention to detail. Then just trying to make sure everybody else is on top of their game as well. He’s been doing a great job, doing what a quarterback is supposed to do. He’s going to lead this team.”
Phase 4 lies ahead. Training camp awaits. Followed by the preseason. And in early September he’ll take the field as the Rams’ starting quarterback when they open the season against the Indianapolis Colts.
We’ll have a better idea then how all the new evidence adds up, what kind of step Goff is prepared to take and how far he’s capable of leading the Rams.
But for now, anyway, there are signs to suggest Year 2 will look much different than Year 1.
“We know that any time you’re not truly live in some of these periods, it’s always a little bit more difficult,” McVay said. “I thought he’s done a nice job managing the huddle, got in and out today. He’s seeing some things, progressing through based on what coverages we’re seeing. We’re just focused on one day at a time and so far he’s done some nice things.”
May 25, 2017 at 9:23 pm #69317znModeratorBack off Jared Goff!
IS JARED GOFF A BUST? Let’s all take a deep breathBucky Brooks
In the Twitterverse, the trolls would have you believe that the Rams’ QB1 is an abject failure based on his disappointing first seven games as an NFL starter. Sure, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick failed to win a game while completing just 54.6 percent of his passes with a 5:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 63.6 passer rating.
But what if I told you that, despite his slow start, he is following a path that could make him a two-time Super Bowl MVP and four-time Pro Bowl selectee?
If you’re a Rams fan, take solace in the fact that Goff’s slow start surpasses Eli Manning’s early days as an NFL starter. In 2004, Manning completed just 48.2 percent of his passes, throwing six touchdown passes against nine interceptions and producing a pedestrian 55.4 passer rating. He posted a 1-6 record during that span, struggling to find his rhythm as a rookie starter.
Eventually, Manning became comfortable within the Giants’ system and was able to rely on his solid supporting cast to help him grow into an upper-echelon quarterback capable of driving his team to the winner’s circle.
This is crucial to remember when thinking about Goff, especially considering that the Rams just brought in a new head coach with a system and a plan in place that should help the second-year player significantly progress.
Goff’s success starts with coach Sean McVay and his version of the spread formation, which features West Coast offense principles. Without seeing the Rams practice yet, I’m basing my opinion on how the young offensive guru built the offense in Washington to enhance the strengths of his quarterback (Kirk Cousins) and incorporate the talents of the supporting cast.
While Goff might be familiar with the schematics of McVay’s system (the QB directed a “Bear Raid” offense at Cal that featured some basic West Coast offense principles like Y-stick, snag and mesh), it might be the condensed verbiage that most helps a quarterback who never called a play in the huddle as a collegian, taking in calls off placards from the sideline.
Speaking to a Rams executive recently, I was told that the team’s play calls are “not as wordy” as they’ve been in the past, and McVay has done a great job of lightening the load on the quarterback’s shoulders.
“We had some play calls with as many as 12 to 15 words,” the Rams exec said. “It’s hard for a young quarterback who has never had to make a play call to spit out a long play call to his teammates, remember all of the alerts and checks, and know exactly what he is supposed to do at the line of scrimmage and post-snap. … McVay has tried to scale back on some of the verbiage to help him get in and out of the huddle faster. It should also help him digest the information quicker and be a more decisive player at the line.”
With young quarterbacks, it is important to free their mind from clutter to help them allow their talents to shine. Trimming the verbiage will certainly help Goff play faster, but alleviating some of the responsibilities on his shoulders should help him focus on being a more effective and efficient player at the position.
Naturally, the toughest transition for most young quarterbacks is understanding pass protection and deciphering coverage.
They can work hand in hand with the safety rotations tipping off the potential extra rushers on a play. Some schemes leave it up to the quarterback to audible or change the play or protection in those instances, while other systems incorporate built-in answers with hot reads (quarterback targets a designated receiver or running back on a short route or flare pass against a blitz) or sight adjustments (designated receiver runs to a void created by a blitzing defender on the second level).
Based on how Cousins attacked blitzing defenses in Washington, it appears he was asked to find the hot read or sight adjustment that’s built into the route. Considering how Goff countered blitzes in a similar fashion in college, he should be comfortable identifying and targeting the designated blitz-beater within the route.
From a personnel standpoint, the Rams’ new receiving corps will also help Goff make a significant jump as a sophomore. After watching their receivers struggle mightily in 2016, the Rams added Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp to the group during the offseason.
Woods, a fifth-year pro with 203 career receptions, is a slick route runner capable of playing outside or in the slot. Although his career numbers (2,451 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns) suggests that he isn’t a marquee pass catcher, Woods was consistently open on a variety of short and intermediate routes when I studied the game film. He not only gained sufficient separation from defenders, but he was able to use a wide array of stems and top-of-the-route moves to shake free from coverage.
Kupp, whom the Rams took at No. 69 overall in this year’s draft, was viewed as one of the cleanest route runners in his class after a spectacular career at Eastern Washington. Scouts raved about his “high football IQ” and work ethic as a collegian, and he has already impressed NFL folks with his diligence and attention to detail.
“We needed dependable and reliable pass catchers on the perimeter,” the Rams executive told me. “The quarterback needs to know that his top targets are going to be where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there. Woods and Kupp will be in the right spots. That alone will help Goff become more consistent.”
Although many observers wouldn’t consider Woods or Kupp A-level receivers, there are plenty of teams that have succeeded with solid B-level pass catchers in a West Coast system that creates opportunities for polished route runners. Thus, the Rams’ passing game could flow smoothly without a true No. 1 on the field.
Now, I didn’t forget about Tavon Austin as a possible option as the team’s WR1, but he has yet to even come close to a 1,000-yard receiving season through four pro campaigns. Most importantly, he hasn’t carved out a niche as a vertical threat or catch-and-run specialist. With Austin currently sidelined due to injury, we’ll see if McVay can eventually work the diminutive playmaker into the passing game as a big-play threat.
Speaking of playmakers, the Rams have a pair of them at the tight end position in Gerald Everett (a second-round pick in April) and Tyler Higbee (a fourth-rounder in 2016). The duo could help Goff become more efficient as a quick-rhythm passer, playing pivotal roles as TE1 and TE2 in an offense expected to be more “tight end-centric,” according to NFL Network’s Steve Wyche.
The move to a multi-faceted tight end attack is sensible, given the unique athleticism that Everett and Higbee bring to the table. Plus, the double-tight end set creates problems for the defense because it allows the Rams to utilize a power running game with Ace (single back with tight ends on opposite sides) or Tight-Wing (single back with both tight ends on the same side).
Not to mention, the team can incorporate a number of movement-based passes off play-action fakes (bootlegs) to attack the defense with three-level reads (post, crosser and flat).
The Rams can also flex either tight end out to form a spread set out of “12” personnel. This is something the Redskins frequently utilized with Jordan Reed under McVay to create mismatches on the perimeter.
Considering the athleticism and route-running skills of Higbee and Everett, the Rams can spread opponents out to allow Goff to play “small ball” (quick game), giving the young quarterback an opportunity rack up completions and stay in manageable situations.
Obviously, the presence of a strong running game would also help Goff become a better player in his second season. For that to occur, the Rams need Todd Gurley to rediscover his mojo as a feature back. After bursting onto the scene as a rookie with at least 125 rushing yards in his first four NFL starts, the 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year hasn’t cracked the 100-yard mark in 18 straight games.
No other running back since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger has played all of his team’s games and averaged as many carries per game as Gurley (17.4) without reaching 100 rushing yards at least once in a season, according to NFL Research.
If Gurley re-emerges as a dominant threat in the backfield, the Rams can allow Goff to act as more of a manager than a playmaker for the offense. This certainly won’t appease observers expecting a young quarterback to throw the ball all over the yard, but the majority of second-year field generals still need to operate under a tight pitch count (25 passes or fewer) until they are able to show their coaches they can handle more responsibilities as the offensive leader.
In the end, Goff’s success will ultimately come down to whether the Rams can build a system around his talents that allows him to showcase his strengths as a quick-rhythm passer.
If McVay can quickly identify what his young passer does well and feature concepts that allow him to stay in his lane, Goff will eventually show off the talent that made him the No. 1 pick in the draft. If the team can identify and develop a supporting cast that enhances the young quarterback’s game, the wins will start to pile up and the naysayers will quickly forget about the slow start that had some uttering the “B” word after just seven starts.
May 25, 2017 at 9:45 pm #69318znModeratorBack off Jared Goff!
IS JARED GOFF A BUST? Let’s all take a deep breathBucky Brooks
That’s an especially good one.
All Vinny does (in the article posted before Brooks) is quote the press conferences.
Brooks actually phoned a Rams exec and asked questions.
.
May 26, 2017 at 11:00 am #69335znModeratorHow Sean McVay is changing Jared Goff’s 2017 offseason preparation
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche has the latest on how the Los Angeles Rams are approaching their offseason preparation with quarterback Jared Goff.
May 26, 2017 at 12:16 pm #69359AgamemnonModerator
I haven’t seen the big giant arm these guys talk about. I have seen him make good throws, but never seen the Elway arm. I have seen no highlight where the ball travels 50 yards in the air. But, I will have plenty of time to watch his arm strenght.
This guy doesn’t see it either. AgamemnonMay 26, 2017 at 12:38 pm #69360AgamemnonModerator
AgamemnonMay 26, 2017 at 2:20 pm #69361znModeratorI haven’t seen the big giant arm these guys talk about. I have seen him make good throws, but never seen the Elway arm.
I’m not sure anyone is saying he has an Elway arm. He does have a decent arm but if anyone IS saying it’s an Elway arm they would be wrong, based on what I see.
I think he has decent arm strength PLUS a very nice quick release. I think it’s possible some people are mistaking that decent strength/quick release combination thing for “just arm strength” when it’s not, it’s a different thing.
Plus he has nice touch on longer throws.
One measure of of the “decent arm strength/quick release” thing is whether he can hit a longer pass with a lower trajectory throw. My example comes at 1:30 on this vid, the TD.
…
…That’s around a 32 yard pass, and it doesn’t have that much air under it, it’s a kind of touch throw right to the receiver on a gentle arc, not a lofted ball. So to me that says he has a decent arm + a very quick release (that is there is less time than slower qbs from when the ball is cocked and when it comes out, which is hand/wrist action together with the arm, and that puts some velocity on the ball in itself):
May 26, 2017 at 3:03 pm #69362AgamemnonModeratorThat why I put up extra videos, because not all will see things like me. 😉
I think his arm is plenty strong and he has a quick release. I would characterize his throws as darts more than lasers. That is me though. AgamemnonMay 26, 2017 at 3:15 pm #69363znModeratorI think his arm is plenty strong and he has a quick release
To quote Pirates of the Carribean (ie. the first and only good one…) … we have an accord.
May 28, 2017 at 11:02 pm #69436znModeratorBill Polian recently mentioned Goff and described him as being behind the curve in terms of development. The context was he was comparing JG and Wentz (both) to Prescott, and he sees Prescott as being in the better situation, not just in terms of personnel around him, but also in terms of continuity.
Both vids are in this thread (thanks to ag) and I repost them here (below).
BUT FIRST, some context. Polian always saw Goff as behind the curve in terms of learning a pro offense. Example:
***
Polian: Expectations need to be ‘very, very low’ for Goff
Publish Date: May 9, 2016http://broadband.espn.go.com/video/clip?id=15494303
***
And here’s what he’ saying now…
May 28, 2017 at 11:42 pm #69439znModeratorPFF: MCVAY’S AIR ATTACK SUITS RAMS QB JARED GOFF
Head coach McVay’s deep pass prowess really shined in Washington, and should benefit his young QB.MIKE CAHILL
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-mcvays-air-attack-suits-rams-qb-jared-goff/
With the Washington Redskins, QB Kirk Cousins’ yards passed through the air increased each season with now-Rams head coach Sean McVay as his offensive coordinator.
Cousins’ 3,005 yards thrown in the air without drops was the most in the league in 2016, with Drew Brees ranking second with 2,885 yards.
Over the last two seasons, Cousins’ PFF passer rating was 94.72 in 2015 and 95.27 in 2016, with both ranking in the top six among quarterbacks.
Rams QB Jared Goff’s percentage of yards in air during his seven starts in LA was 48.8 percent, which ranked 25th out of 28 quarterbacks. In college, at California, Goff averaged 59.5 percent of yards in air in 2014 and 2015.
May 31, 2017 at 11:12 am #69528znModeratorSean McVay: Jared Goff has improved; We’ll let best player play
Josh Alper
The Rams are practicing without defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Trumaine Johnson at their Organized Team Activities, which gave coach Sean McVay plenty of chances Tuesday to use variations on stock answers about OTAs being voluntary and focusing on the players who are at practice.
McVay may have been doing the same when asked about competition at the quarterback position. With 2016 first overall pick Jared Goff and Sean Mannion in the top two spots on the depth chart, there hasn’t been much talk about competition in Los Angeles because no one has imagined Goff won’t be starting come September.
McVay said Goff is the No. 1, but intimated that the door isn’t closed to things playing out differently.
“I think what we’ve tried to preach to our players is we’re going to let the best players play,” McVay said. “We’re trying to win football games and whoever we feel like gives us the best chance is who’s going to play behind center. Right now, we feel very good about what they’ve both done. Jared has done a nice job getting better, but you always want to make sure that you’re playing the guy that you feel like gives you the best ability to win football games, because we owe it to our coaches, to our players and to this organization to do that. I think what we’ve seen is good for those guys, but right now Jared’s the starter and he’s done a nice job commanding that role.”
That isn’t quite the optimistic, fully invested answer about Goff that you might expect to hear in May. That may just be because McVay chose to go with some well-honed coach speak about the merits of competition because the prospect of Goff as anything other than the team’s starter in 2017 is one that’s hard to fathom given how much they gave up to get him to L.A.
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McVay: QB who gives Rams best chance will start
Kevin Patra
Jared Goff is the Los Angeles Rams’ starting quarterback, but new head coach Sean McVay is promoting competition at every position and won’t hand the second-year player anything.
“I think what we’ve tried to preach to our players is we’re going to let the best players play,” McVay said Tuesday, via the team’s official website. “We’re trying to win football games and whoever we feel like gives us the best chance is who’s going to play behind center.
“Right now, we feel very good about what [Goff and Sean Mannion] have both done. Jared has done a nice job getting better, but you always want to make sure that you’re playing the guy that you feel like gives you the best ability to win football games, because we owe it to our coaches, to our players and to this organization to do that. I think what we’ve seen is good for those guys, but right now Jared’s the starter and he’s done a nice job commanding that role.”
That’s a fairly milquetoast answer from a generally gushing first-time head coach.
The previous iterations of Rams coaches discussing Goff have all been of the positive variety, about the second-year player picking up the offense quickly and becoming a leader under center.
McVay’s comments about competition at every position is classic coach-speak, but it’s notable in that he was part of the staff that elevated Kirk Cousins over Robert Griffin III in Washington, which went against the owner’s preference.
McVay isn’t tied to Goff. The quarterback is on the front office.
The No. 1 overall pick will still “win” the competition with 2015 third-round pick Mannion — the San Andreas Fault would have to swallow Goff for him not to start Week 1. Yet, McVay understands if he’s to harp on competition to his team, he must preach it at every position, including the presumptive quarterback.
May 31, 2017 at 12:22 pm #69540znModeratorSpeed_Kills wrote:
I have some issues with what Solomon Wilcots is saying about Goff while also pushing somehow that Kap can play and should be an option for the Rams. He flat out said Kap is better than Goff and Mannion
I called in to challenge him… I got 10 words in before he cut me off and then they disconnected me
I called back because I had waited an hour …. they put me back on – Solly and I went at it again. I told him I thought he was too quick to dismiss Goff and that some of that performance had to go to Jeff Fisher. Solly cut me off again and started talking about what the Rams gave up to draft Goff. I asked him what did the Giants give up when they drafted Manning. Solly said but Manning started day one… I told him no he did not. He started after game 7 just like Goff and never won a single game and statistically was worst than Goff
They disconnected me again after that exchange.
Look I have doubts about Goff… I didn’t want the Rams to draft him. I preferred Wentz and didn’t think Goff looked the part of the kind of QB you move up to draft. No big arm, no winning tradition, not especially athletic. I didn’t understand it
That being said I think people are picking on him a bit here… since when do we start making proclamations about rookies QBs not being able to play after only 7 games?
SW goes too far and I called him out on it. He may end up being right but its too early to know that for sure
June 1, 2017 at 8:53 am #69566wvParticipantI’m glad McV said the ‘best players will play’ suggesting that maybe Goff would not just be handed the job.
I think every coach should ‘always’ say that every single year.
I just think McV is making a general point about his football-philosophy. I doubt it was anything more than that. Best players play. Nothing controversial about that to me. Goff’s gotta win the job, just like everyone else.
w
vJune 6, 2017 at 9:51 am #69749znModeratorJared Goff shows he’s growing into role of Rams quarterback
By Alden Gonzalez
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Jared Goff stepped up in the pocket and fired a bullet, roughly 30 yards down the field, right into the hands of Robert Woods on a post route. Earlier, he hit Nelson Spruce for a long touchdown. And leading up to that impressive throw to Woods, he made crisp, accurate passes to Tyler Higbee and Cooper Kupp as part of a two-minute drill.
It’s only organized team activities, which means players are not in pads and live contact is not permitted, but Goff looked good on Monday.
Rams rookie coach Sean McVay is nonetheless reserving judgement.
“Until you’re actually live as a quarterback, that’s when you truly get challenged,” McVay said. “You’re having to move with the rush, avoid guys that can really tackle you. That’s always the best evaluator. I think he has done a nice job improving every single day, and that’s what’s going to give us a chance.”
Goff, with a 22.2 Total QBR in his brief NFL career, began his offseason by receiving instruction from noted quarterback guru Tom House. And ever since the official offseason program began, the 22-year-old has immersed himself in McVay’s offense, spending almost every possible waking minute at the Rams’ facility. McVay said he has been “very pleased” with what Goff has done “above the neck.”
His teammates have noticed more confidence, more conviction.
“You can tell, especially just starting with the command of the offense, him being able to take that and control the huddle and get guys lined up, and keep that poise when things aren’t going well and when things are going well,” said Higbee, Goff’s roommate throughout training camp last year. “He looks good.”
“More confident, more relaxed, more poised in the pocket” is how second-year receiver Mike Thomas compared this year’s Goff to last year’s Goff. “Letting the game come to him and taking his time, being patient on the field.”
Goff is benefiting from having an entire NFL season under his belt and knowing from the start that he will be the starting quarterback — but he must perform in order to keep his job.
McVay wasn’t around when the Rams moved up 14 spots to draft Goff No. 1 overall last spring, and thus has no real loyalty to Goff, who struggled mightily over the course of seven rookie starts, all of them losses. If Goff doesn’t show signs that he is making significant strides toward at least becoming a reliable starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, McVay probably won’t have a hard time turning to his backup, Sean Mannion, a third-round pick in 2015 who hasn’t seen much playing time yet.
McVay often has said he and his staff will “constantly evaluate guys.”
Starting fresh allows him to keep an open mind at every position, including quarterback.
“Jared is our guy; we have a lot of confidence in what he’s done,” McVay stressed after Monday’s practice. “But we have confidence in Sean as well. … We’re going to play the guys that give us the ability to win football games and the guys that are competing at the highest level. Clearly, Jared has done that so far. It’s a one-day-at-a-time process, but what he has done is just pick things up. He’s getting better every single day, and he has definitely commanded that role. He did that again today.”
June 11, 2017 at 11:26 pm #69930znModeratorThere are signs that second-year Rams QB Jared Goff might be much improved
By Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-camp-goff-20170611-story.html
Three weeks ago, when the Rams began organized team activity workouts, quarterback Jared Goff was asked to assess the change in offensive systems from last season.
“It’s way different,” he said.
That was no surprise: The Rams have a new coach in Sean McVay, a new quarterback-friendly scheme and ostensibly a new vibe.
As the Rams progressed through their 10 OTA workouts, Goff also looked different.
“More confident,” receiver Mike Thomas said. “More relaxed. More poised in the pocket.”
The real evaluation, of course, will not begin until the NFL season starts in September.
So Goff still has three months to prepare for the scrutiny.
But as the Rams get ready for this week’s mandatory minicamp, there are signs — some obvious and some subtle — that Goff could be much improved in his second season.
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft has added a few pounds of muscle. He also made more decisive choices and throws during the final week of OTAs.
During one workout, he connected with receiver Pharoh Cooper on a slant route for a short touchdown, fired a pass into a seam that receiver Nelson Spruce turned into a long scoring play and zipped multiple mid- to long-range completions to Thomas, Robert Woods and others.
He was especially adept executing two-minute drills, and appeared more confident taking charge in and out of the huddle.
“We have a lot of confidence in what he’s done,” McVay said, adding, “He’s getting better every single day and he’s definitely commanded that role.”
Goff, 22, has “a little swagger to him,” new left tackle Andrew Whitworth said.
“He has kind of taken ownership and is trying hard to become that franchise quarterback that so many teams look for. You can tell that’s his goal and his mission.”
Goff did not look the part of a franchise quarterback last season.
He was inactive for the season opener at San Francisco and then sat for eight more games as Case Keenum’s backup.
He started the final seven games and the Rams lost them all, including two in the final minutes.
He completed 54.6% of his passes, five for touchdowns, with seven interceptions. He was sacked 26 times and was pressured relentlessly.
“It’s only seven games,” Goff said after the finale against the Arizona Cardinals, “but it’s enough to know what I did well and what I didn’t do well and what I need to work on.”
Goff knew that he would have a new coach and offensive system this season, but he did not know at the time that it would be McVay.
As part of McVay’s interview with the Rams, the quarterback went through tape with the young coach, who turned 31 shortly after he was hired in January. Goff came away encouraged by the possible opportunity of working together.
“Coming out of that meeting,” he said later, “I was like, ‘If they pick him, I’m going to be really excited.’”
In February, Goff followed the lead of Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and other elite NFL passers and enlisted help from quarterback trainers Tom House and Justin Dedeaux. During sessions in Newport Beach, they helped refine his mechanics.
Almost immediately after free-agent wide receiver Woods signed with the Rams in March, Goff and the former USC standout started working out together. Goff also threw passes to then-draft hopeful Cooper Kupp — who is represented by the same agency as the quarterback — before the Rams selected Kupp in the third round.
The results of the extra work have been evident.
Goff will not have an opportunity to reestablish and improve timing with veteran receiver Tavon Austin until training camp opens in late July. Austin, regarded as a possible centerpiece in McVay’s offense, is recovering from wrist surgery and did not participate in team drills during OTAs.
During minicamp, Goff will attempt to continue his upward trend. The three days of workouts, which begin Tuesday in Thousand Oaks, are the last team practices until the Rams reconvene for training camp at UC Irvine.
McVay said he was “very pleased” with what Goff has established “above the neck” in terms of handling different situations.
“He has done a nice job improving every single day,” McVay said, “and that’s what’s going to give us a chance.”
June 13, 2017 at 10:15 pm #70010znModeratorThe_Bad_Guy wrote:
Once Goff makers the decision to get rid of the football, it comes out nice and clean. I think his arm, from what I’ve seen, is more than strong enough. He’s got mustard on those long outs – where arm strength is really measured and tested. There just aren’t that many times an NFL quarterback is going to have to throw it sixty-five yards on the fly. It’s the juice on those ins and outs.
But if there is one thing I would change about the kid it’s how he carries the football on his drops. Maybe what he did last year is a natural thing for him … but it sure doesn’t look like it. It seems very unnatural, in fact. It may have been something that was driven into his head … probably in college at Cal: Both hands … all the way back … both hands … all the way back … both hands … all the back.
To me … though …. he’s waaaaaaaaay too tense in his hands and wrists and forearms when he does that. By clasping the football so tightly, again in my opinion, it seems to lock up his entire upper body as he sets. There’s a lack of natural athletic rhythm …
Have no idea what, exactly, McVay is going to do about that. Maybe nothing. Maybe he doesn’t see that as a problem. And maybe it’s not.
But if there is one quarterback who I would compare Goff to … just in terms of physical build and arm-strength … it would be Dan Fouts.
Notice when you watch Fouts (in these few clips) how loose his upper-body is in his drops. He keeps track of the football with his off-hand … but he doesn’t strangle the life out of it.
Also, notice how low Fouts gets in his drops. How he bends his knees and drops his hips and rear-end. His hand placement with the football … the bend in his knees and rear … it puts him in almost ideal position to make a throw when his eyes, mind and body react.
My only other real issue with Goff is that at times I got the feeling he was really unsure of himself. And that, in my opinion, led to moments where the ball was slower in coming out of his hand than it needed to be. It’s in those split seconds while he’s setting up. While he’s still carrying the football in both hands as he drops (which I’m not crazy about) and is trying to decipher coverages and reads.
June 14, 2017 at 11:24 am #70029znModeratorRams QB Jared Goff has added about 10 pounds, but will it help?
By Alden Gonzalez
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Jared Goff likes to say that he has gained 10 pounds for every year of his life. He’s 22 now, heading into his second season in the NFL, and he is carrying about 220 pounds on him these days, 10 more than he did as a rookie.
The trend continues.
“I hope it slows down at about 23, 24,” Goff said with a smile. “I think I’ve been doing a good job just trying to continue to get strong and just continue to work as hard as I can.”
The Los Angeles Rams’ official website lists Goff at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds after listing him at 215 last year. He came into the NFL relatively slight, then absorbed 25 sacks over his final six games — far more than anybody else during that stretch — and bulked up. Goff said that the added weight was merely a function of him continuing to grow into his body, not a reaction to anything that occurred last season. But it should only help.
Goff remembers the extra weight he added going into his sophomore season at Cal and how much better it made him.
“I felt it in the pocket,” Goff, speaking after the Rams’ minicamp practice on Tuesday, said. “The ability to make one guy miss is a big deal, and the ability to not get tackled by just a hand, just a guy grabbing your jersey, is a big deal. I think that’s where it helped the most.”
The Rams’ offensive line should be better, but Andrew Whitworth alone can’t significantly improve a unit that allowed the NFL’s second-most sacks last season. And since the end of the 2016 season, Goff’s divisional opponents have only added more menacing pass-rushers, most notably rookies Solomon Thomas (49ers) and Haason Reddick (Cardinals).
“It’s always important to be able to sustain some of the hits,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “You still want to make sure that you’re fluid and flexible. I think that weight, when you’re thinking about some of the throws that you have to make in the face of a pass rush, and where you have to absorb those hits — I think it just allows you to be a little bit sturdier. I think you want to put it on the right way.”
The Rams believe Goff has. He called this his “first real offseason,” because colleges don’t really allow for one and because he spent a good chunk of last year’s preparing for the scouting combine.
“I did my best in the months we had off to continue to train hard,” Goff said, “and my body continues to grow.”
Goff was the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, but he wasn’t ready to start at the beginning of the season and he didn’t play well upon finally being given a chance. In seven games, all of them losses, Goff completed 54.6 percent of his passes, averaged 5.3 yards per attempt and posted a 22.2 Total QBR, all among the worst marks in the league. He’s stronger now, an entire year wiser, and he said learning McVay’s offense is “starting to become second-nature.”
But all that matters is how much better Goff will be by the time the Rams open up their season on Sept. 10.
“I don’t know if there’s an exact point you put on it,” Goff said when asked about his goals before the opener. “I think you just continue to get better every day. You can’t take a day off. I thought there were some plays today where I wasn’t as sharp as I wanted to be, and you can’t really allow that. You need to be sharp on every play or at least mentally sharp and know what you’re doing on every play. Sometimes daily, you don’t have that. I think when you get to the season and every single play is boom-boom-boom-boom all the way across, play-in and play-out, is when you kind of feel comfortable. I think we’re on our way there. I don’t think we’re there yet, but we’re on our way.”
June 14, 2017 at 12:50 pm #70031AgamemnonModeratorThere isn’t much to go on, but it just feels like Goff is doing significantly better this year. He appears more comfortable.
AgamemnonJune 14, 2017 at 6:13 pm #70043InvaderRamModeratorThere isn’t much to go on, but it just feels like Goff is doing significantly better this year. He appears more comfortable.
that’s the sense i get too. nothing concrete but his body language seems to indicate he’s getting it.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by InvaderRam.
June 15, 2017 at 12:13 am #70059znModeratorGoff Looking Comfortable, Confident in New Offense
Myles Simmons
The Rams made a number of organizational moves during the offseason to help develop young quarterback Jared Goff, from hiring Sean McVay as head coach to signing free agent left tackle Andrew Whitworth. And with the club’s offseason program coming to an end this week, Goff has shown signs that he can take a significant step forward in his second pro season.
Both coaches and players have extolled Goff for his leadership off the field, and the quarterback appears to be more comfortable and confident during practice.
“I think a lot of that has to do with the guys around me,” Goff said Tuesday. “I think we’ve done a good job offensively going from the install to on the field and being effective with it. I think that goes back to the coaches as well. Their ability to install and their ability to teach and coach us has been tremendous. It’s been a lot of fun learning with them and continuing to improve myself and the team as a whole.”
The ease of installing the playbook has been a common refrain from members of Los Angeles’ offense since McVay’s arrival. Players have said it comes from the way the coaches have been so detail oriented in their instruction and focus on learning day-by-day.
“I’ve enjoyed every day coming out here and learning with them,” Goff said. “All the way back from when we started meeting with them to now — it’s been awesome. I’ve had a really good time learning it. I think I’ve picked it up at a pretty good pace. I like where we’re at right now. Obviously, a lot of stuff to improve on, especially from today. But again, I like where we’re at.”
From offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur’s vantage point, Goff has done well in making daily strides throughout the offseason program.
“That’s been the biggest thing with him, is just get a little bit better each day, become a little more consistent on a daily basis,” LaFleur said.
“I think when you look at trying to find your identity and what you kind of want to hang your hat on within the framework of our offense, I think he’s picked some of those things up well,” McVay said. “Again, like we always talk about, it’s going to be something where we want to do a good job as coaches figuring out our players and then we’ll adjust the system accordingly.”
That’s particularly important for a signal-caller in McVay’s system, which the head coach often says is set up to make the quarterback’s job as easy as possible. To that end, McVay said Goff will have input into the way the offense functions just like any other player.
“If there’s something that he feels like is going to make it an easier way for all of the players to understand and call a concept, that’s something that we’re certainly flexible with,” McVay said. “We try to make sure that as coaches we’re creating verbiage that makes sense from a teaching standpoint, as opposed to just, ‘This is just because.’ You want to always make sure there’s a ‘why.’ I think that gives you a better chance to learn if you have that.”
Still, McVay can often be seen on the field during practice coaching up the quarterbacks to ensure plays are run to his liking. And that’s something Goff likes.
“I think he is tough at times, I think there’s other times where he knows how to handle a situation, but I’ve been very happy with the way that he’s coached me,” Goff said. “I want him to be hard on me. I think I need it. I think that’s how I get better and continue to stay sharp.”
And Goff has made strong throws throughout the offseason program, particularly over the last few weeks. His teammates have noticed the progress, particularly as it relates to year over year improvement.
“There’s a lot more communicating to the receivers when he sees something,” wideout Pharoh Cooper said. “Last year, we would kind of just go about it and try to fix it the next day or something. But if we mess something up, he’ll talk to you about it on the sideline now. We’ll say, ‘Jared, you saw what I saw?’ And we’ll go from there.”
With the Rams off until late July when training camp begins, Goff said he’ll be working out in Southern California to prepare for the season.
“I’ve got two things planned. I’m going to have a camp at my high school coming up here soon. I’m going to play golf in Tahoe in the middle of July and that’s about it,” Goff said. “Everything else will be down here training.”
That’s training to produce quality results for 2017 and many seasons to come.
June 15, 2017 at 8:19 pm #70100znModeratorfrom players to watch after OTAs/minicamp
Gregg Rosenthal
Jared Goff, Rams quarterback: There’s no way to tell yet how much Goff has changed or how much coach Sean McVay has helped him change. Goff is bigger and he certainly sounds more mature and ready for the responsibility inherent in being a franchise quarterback, although that won’t mean much if he can’t stay calm in the face of a pass rush. Goff would likely be on this watch list regardless of how May and June went, but at least he’s kept his head above water this organized team activities season.
June 16, 2017 at 4:00 pm #70129znModeratorPFF: The hunt for positives coming out of Jared Goff’s rookie season
The Rams quarterback and 2016 first overall draft pick had an awful rookie season in 2016. John Kosko looks for signs of life from the year.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-the-hunt-for-positives-coming-out-of-jared-goffs-rookie-season/
The 2016 No. 1 overall pick had one of the worst rookie seasons a quarterback has ever put on display. Sometimes stats can be misleading where the receivers drop would-be touchdowns or unfortunate luck leads to interceptions, but this wasn’t the case for Jared Goff in his debut for the Los Angeles Rams. In fact, his best game statistically — 20 for 32, 214 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 100.3 passer rating — against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, while showing some promise with some really nice passes in the first half, was marred with a dreadful second-half performance that lost the Rams the game.
Goff’s overall best game by PFF grading came in Week 15 against Seattle, but it was far from a good performance, landing in the “below-average” category with a 64.7. His season progress looks even worse than an overall perspective as he seemingly got worse with more experience following up his best game with an almost historically bad Week 16 game vs San Francisco where he failed to crack 100 yards passing.
So about finding positives…
One area where Goff excelled in college was throwing to the intermediate (10-19 yards in air) and deep (20-plus yards) levels with exceptional accuracy and touch. More specifically, he was best between the numbers in both areas (127.9 passer rating intermediate, 111.1 deep) while also excellent deep right (103.3). His “weakest” area of the field was throwing left, but he was still very good doing so with a passer rating of 90.0 throwing deep left.
Fast forward to the NFL and Goff struggled in his best areas as it’s much more difficult to beat defenses between the numbers. He didn’t complete a pass deep middle and had a passer rating of just 53.3 intermediate middle. Where Goff surprisingly did well was throwing deep left, with a passer rating of 112.5 highlighted by this touchdown against New Orleans.
Goff wasn’t helped by his supporting cast and offensive line. While he needs to improve with his pocket awareness and recognition of defensive coverages, his offensive line didn’t give him the adequate protection to do so as he was pressured on 44.3 percent of his dropbacks — third-worst in the NFL. In his seven starts, Goff was sacked a league high 26 times with 18 of those being charged to his offensive line. The line’s pass-blocking efficiency of 69.9 was fifth-worst in the NFL during his starts.
Rams receivers also never were able to get on the same page with Goff, and his 7.8 drop rate was second-worst in the NFL. Also not helping Goff was the coaching staff utilizing play action passes more often. Goff attempted play action on just 14.1 percent of his dropbacks despite being a rookie and sporting a passer rating 21.4 points better than no play action — a difference that was actually ninth-best in the NFL. That 14.1 percent PA utilization rate ranked second-lowest in the NFL for the season and his coaches called PA for teammate Case Keenum 20.3 percent of the time, 15th-most in the NFL. To hammer home the lack of PA usage, Goff’s 14.1 percent rate is the second-lowest in the PFF era for a rookie. Rookies play better with misdirection and getting the defense flat-footed, but Goff wasn’t given that advantage nearly enough.
Enter new head coach Sean McVay. McVay called play action at almost 19 percent for Kirk Cousins the past three years in Washington. McVay has done an excellent job tailoring an offensive system for Cousins that resulted in two very good seasons for the former fourth-round pick, including grading as the eighth-best quarterback in the NFL at 85.9 in 2016. McVay will also bring a different run scheme to LA as he ran mostly outside zone and man concepts while LA was primarily and inside zone scheme team in 2016. This should benefit HB Todd Gurley and help open up the passing game.
Also to the benefit of the Rams and Goff, LT Andrew Whitworth is a monster upgrade over Greg Robinson. Whitworth has been arguably the second-most-consistent and best LT in the NFL for the past decade allowing 41 sacks and 31 hits in his 11 year career. Robinson has already passed Whitworth in hits allowed with 33 and is almost halfway to his sack mark with 18 in just three seasons. Also adding center John Sullivan — providing he can stay healthy — should help solidify the o-line.
Goff’s rookie season had a lot of red flags but the situation around him has vastly improved. He didn’t come out of college as a one-year wonder but as a three-year starter in the Pac-12 leading a poor California team to a bowl victory in his final season. He graded extremely well, making numerous big-time throws, but he was thrust into the starting job at the age of 21 when he needed time on the bench to grow into an NFL quarterback.
The second-year QB has said he’s bulked up some this offseason, and the team added veteran Robert Woods as well as drafting WR Cooper Kupp and TE Gerald Everett — two players PFF analysts thought highly of in draft evaluations. The ball is in Goff’s court to utilize the advantages he will have in 2017 to improve. Both Derek Carr and Blake Bortles made major improvements from year 1 to year 2, and Goff has the talent and ability to do the same, even if he doesn’t have the same caliber of weapons those two enjoyed.
June 16, 2017 at 6:14 pm #70132znModeratorRams coach Sean McVay recently told Jared Goff that they have installed about 95 percent of his offense so far. “If that’s what we have in, I’d say I’ve understood all of it and grasped all of that so far.” Goff said he has learned this offense “much quicker” than last year’s. “I think it’s just having a year under your belt,” he added. “You know how to learn it; you don’t have to teach yourself how to learn it.”
Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer
http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0667480264032656561-4June 16, 2017 at 6:35 pm #70134InvaderRamModeratorMcVay will also bring a different run scheme to LA as he ran mostly outside zone and man concepts while LA was primarily and inside zone scheme team in 2016. This should benefit HB Todd Gurley and help open up the passing game.
ok. i didn’t know that.
i thought kromer was an inside zone guy, but maybe they’ll bring in some more outside zone with mcvay and lafleur.
i think gurley ran a lot of outside zone his rookie year.
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