Can LA Rams QB Jared Goff win a shootout in 2020?

Scoff at the idea it was all Goff

Some analysts would have you think that the problem lies with a system quarterback in Goff, and the 25 cent conclusion that NFL defenses have figured out the Rams offensive system. The same reports assert that in that scenario, Jared Goff’s NFL future will cool like a dying star.

Closer inspection to the dynamics of 2018 versus 2019 found that Goff was very comfortable when he dropped back to pass in 2018. The trio of LG Roger Saffold, C John Sullivan, and RG Austin Blythe did a fine job of sealing up the interior of the pocket, forcing pressure on the quarterback to one side or the other.

Not the same trio

But the trio of LG Joseph Noteboom, C Brian Allen, and RG Austin Blythe was porous and ineffective. Blitzes up the middle arrived at the quarterback just as he looked up to make his first read. It was not until the Rams countered with extra protection, such as two tight ends, that protection began to stabilize.

In the month of December, the Rams record may have been just 3-2 in December 2019, but the offense managed to average 29 points per game. And that scoring improvement was not simply an improved passing game, but the Rams found the ability to run once more. Of course, it was a bit of too little too late at that point.