Down and Distance: LA Rams playoff hopes rest upon QB Goff

The LA Rams are not done yet. Can QB Jared Goff deliver a jaw-dropper career-high game?  Only if head coach Sean McVay lets him.

The LA Rams defense has been a rather pleasant surprise so far this year. But for the offense, it’s been a bit underwhelming. And as far as the special teams? Well, let’s not try to think about that for now. Instead, let’s focus on a trouble spot for the Rams offense and whiteboard some avenues that the Rams can use to improve his chances of delivering a career-high game?

Well, for starters, Goff’s career has been laced with impressive performances. Many recall his outstanding play in the 55-51 shootout win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. Goff completed 31 of 49 passes for 413 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. But he had an even better performance against the Minnesota Vikings earlier that year when he threw 26 completions out of 33 passes for 465 yards and five touchdowns.

Goff’s career-high

Goff had eight games that season where he threw for 300 yards or better. So far in 2020, he has had six such games. But the cost of asking for more from Jared Goff has come at a price. The Rams have had less success in the running game. That has allowed defenses to focus on the Rams passing attack, resulting in more sacks and interceptions.

So how can the Rams help their besieged quarterback? Well, the answers have been there all along. The key is to run effectively, pass unexpectedly, and test each quadrant of the football field. Running effectively means that the Rams need to run the ball often enough and well enough to force defenses to think run on the majority of the Rams offensive snaps. Passing unexpectedly means that the Rams must change up the formations and targets to keep defenses honest throughout the game.

Air it out

Finally, testing each quadrant means that the Rams offense needs to protect the pocket long enough to take some shots deep downfield. It need not be three deep shots in a row. Just enough deep passes to force the Seahawks to cover the entire field throughout the game.

I believe that the Rams quarterback Jared Goff can still get hot and play very well in this post season. But in order for him to do so, the Rams must do a better job of keeping defenses honest Even if so many Goff detractors are correct, I would rather learn now and give the Rams an opportunity to draft a future starting quarterback then languish in NFL limbo where the Rams can win some games but not THE games.

It’s time to rise up. It’s time to get an attitude. It’s time to find the resolve to will a win into existence. It’s time for quarterback Jared Goff to lay it all on the line. The Rams can either begin to march into the NFL Playoffs, or start retreating into the shadows. It’s time to march.