5 hot LA Rams training camp takeaways from Hard Knocks episode 3

Takeaway 2

Takeaway 2:  LA Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff is moving around a lot more. That’s a hugely positive sign. The Rams offensive line will be improved, but the realistic expectations are that the Rams end up ranked in the lower middle of the NFL. That may be the most optimistic expectation for this season.

What will help the Rams “ranking” among NFL offensive lines this year will be the overall decline of play in this season. Teams had no OTA’s, had a limited training camp and had only virtual contact to rookies nearly the entire offseason. Some positions will be partially impacted. For offensive linemen, this season is a nearly impossible gauntlet for rookies. The Rams return nine starters from last season. Best of the NFL? No. But experienced offensive linemen who have worked with one another.

Move Jared move

Jared Goff is also throwing successfully on the run. Last season, Goff appeared to be dazed and confused as blitzes poured through the offensive line at him. It was lightning fast and oftentimes resulted in knee-jerk passes to the ground, the sidelines, or to the outstretched arms of a defender.  The fact that Goff is training at the right reactions means a lot to the Rams chances this season.

Most intriguing is that while walking off the field at SoFi, offensive coordinator Kevin O’ Connell was right there in his ear. The conversation held is less important than the fact that Goff is constantly being observed, analyzed, and given honest feedback. With each dialogue, Goff not only learns and improves but becomes more confident.  Jared Goff was drafted in 2016 and is entering just his fifth NFL season. He will make the leap from good to great this year.