5 bold predictions for the LA Rams vs. the Patriots

III – Prediction 3

QB Jared Goff will not throw an interception. After head coach, Sean McVay publicly reprimanded starting quarterback Jared Goff for turnovers, many wondered how Goff would respond.  He showed up in Glendale Arizona and had one of the best games of the season. Goff can be fairly secure with the ball as long as he remains focused, is not forced to do too much, and has enough room to roll out.

Three things happen to trigger ‘bad Goff’.  It happens when the defense places unexpected pressure upon Goff early in the game. That in turn excites Goff to a much faster tempo. Finally, and perhaps the most important, the play calling abandons the run and the plays become a constant stream of passing plays.

Run pass blend calms Goff

The key to getting Goff to slow down, read defenses and coverages, and throw the ball to the right spots is simple. Run the ball. Whether it is simply into the line of scrimmage for a yard or two, or a burst of eight yards is not nearly as important as creating the ‘reset’ mindset to recalibrate Goff’s rhythm and tempo.

As long as the Rams are in good down and distance situations throughout the game, Goff will make positive plays. Even if the Rams find themselves in long-yardage situations, Goff can be effective if he has enough time to throw the ball. It’s up to the Rams to ensure that he has enough time.