What Changes Will the Rams See With Jared Goff at QB?

Is Bret Favre right? Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Is Bret Favre right? Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After the Los Angeles Rams have only managed 15.4 points per game with quarterback Case Keenum, the Rams now look to rookie Jared Goff to bring a new energy to the offense.

Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) brings down Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) during the 4th quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Bills went on to a 30-19 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) brings down Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) during the 4th quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Bills went on to a 30-19 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

In a season where the Los Angeles Rams seem to just be walking the line of mediocrity week after week with uninspired offense and a defense that draws as much sympathy as it does praise, the coaching staff has finally heard the fans’ pleas for Jared Goff.

The fans, media, and I can only assume players equally endured nine games of watching Case Keenum flounder and struggle to stay above water. Unfortunately, as hard-working and great a locker room personality as Keenum might be, his skill set is limited and he’s hurting the team week in and week out.

It only took for the Rams to be last in points per game in the NFL behind the 30th-ranked quarterback in the league to finally spark up the motivation to try something new.

Enter, Jared Goff.

After weeks of 90,000 people chanting, “we want Goff” and dozens of reporters and journalists being relentless with the Goff inquiries,the masses are finally being rewarded with Goff’s promotion.

Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Look, it’s no secret that Goff had his share of problems in the few preseason appearances he saw. And it’s hard to write-off those botched snaps, fumbles, and interceptions as merely game-time jitters, as it had been well documented that those were problems in practice too. So that excuse becomes erroneous.

However, not all is lost. It’s hard to believe and accept that the Rams would trade away six picks over 2 years for someone who doesn’t have significant upside. Jared Goff has the tools and skill set to bring a fresh new look to the stagnant offense of the Los Angeles Rams.

How Jared Goff Could Help the Offense

His arm strength, for starters, far supersedes that of his predecessor, which will allow deeper throws downfield to utilize big-play threats like Tavon Austin. Goff also has the potential for a much more accurate arm, having had a 64.5 completion percentage in his final year at Cal in 2015. With those two new aspects to bring to the field, Goff’s presence could even help open up the field and alleviate the stacked boxes Todd Gurley has struggled with.

More importantly, Goff will be entering his debut against the Miami Dolphins with confidence. Confidence that his coaches feel comfortable enough to put him in and confidence that his powerhouse defense will give him an opportunity to win by shutting down a mediocre, albeit rising, Dolphins offense. Goff has a lot of upside as long as his fundamentals have been polished.

Related Story: NFL Rumors: Rams’ Case Keenum May Fall to 3rd on Depth Chart

Ultimately, win or lose, playoffs or not, this team is not equipped to make a deep run, and to put that pressure on Goff could only serve to hinder his development. The importance of putting Goff in with only 7 games left in the season when they play in the same division as the high-flying Seattle Seahawks, is to gain experience.

The goal is to enter the 2017 season experienced and healthy. With a little luck, coaching, and guidance, Goff could be finishing this season and entering next season a much-improved quarterback that looks worth the six draft picks.

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