Will Jared Goff face more pressure with Rams kicker on the shelf?

Don’t expect the Los Angeles Rams to not wonder how big a blow it is now that kicker Greg Zuerlein is out for the season. Especially the effect it might have on quarterback Jared Goff.

Expect some additional pressure on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff now that super kicker, “Legatron” Greg Zuerlein is out for the balance of the 2017 season.

Zuerlein, who has been absolute money this season, has made 38 field goals, for a 95 percent conversion rate that was still only second best in the National Football League.

Most impressive, if not most critical for the Rams, was how good he had been from long distance. He made each of his 12 attempts between 40 and 49 yards and was 6 of 7 when kicking from 50 yards and beyond.

That’s big time folks, and the Rams, especially Goff may feel that if automatic is no longer.

Los Angeles now turns to 25 year old Sam Ficken from Penn State, who was cut from the Kansas City Chiefs roster back in September.

How might this affect Goff?

Well, it’s something of a double-edged sword.

Whereas head coach Sean McVay would be inclined to rely of Zuerlein for three points when Goff and the offense stall out, you will wonder how a new kicker might change that thinking if he misses.

Does that change the play calling even a little?

Will McVay ask more from Goff on third down?

It’s no mistake that Legatron was a much used luxury and security blanket when third down went unconverted.

The Rams have a game this week against the Tennessee Titans on the road, and then the Week 17 finale at home against a quickly improving San Francisco 49ers.

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Don’t kid yourself, it could certainly have an uncomfortable effect on the Rams when they don’t need one the most. Zuerlein out is a blow to not just the Rams special teams, but to the Los Angeles offense.

They’ll feel it. So will Goff.

Count on it.