Matt Waldman:
Jared Goff's poise is better than you think
You may see some stats that show the disparity of Goff's production against contending teams and also-rans. First, will those analysts provide the same context for all starting quarterbacks and second, how much are dropped passes and fumbles factors into the equation if at all?
When it comes to No. 2, I'd bet very little.
Goff performed better than his box score, just like he did against the Seahawks. He stood in the pocket and hit tight-window throws on pivotal down and distance situations.
This 2nd and 11 is a positive play even if it isn't one in the box score. Goff displays the pocket presence to wait as long as possible in the pocket before eluding the oncoming defender.
The longer the quarterback can stand in the pocket before climbing for flushing, the less time and space the opponent has to change direction and adjust to the quarterback's move. Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson are well-known for waiting until the last moment. Goff does this well enough to spin around the back side, reset, and give only his receiver a chance at the target.
One of the bigger questions of those unfamiliar with Goff's game at Cal or, even last year, wondered if Goff could handle punishment from a physical defense. Here's another clip of evidence that indicates we should stop questioning his physical and mental toughness.
Three plays later, Goff remains poised despite Barr's earlier plaster job. He maneuvers the pocket with the same poise and patience that he's displayed against less physical teams.
Goff wasn't the problem today. The Rams receiving corps dropped the ball before and after the catch. Here's Cooper Kupp losing the ball at the 1.
Kupp has been one of my favorite rookie receivers from the 2017 class, but I've noted in this column past examples where Kupp has come up short in the red zone. I think he'll grow into a more reliable red zone target, but it has been a frustrating development for a player who even Vikings coach Mike Zimmer labeled as the Rams best receiver this year.
Here's Kupp drop on third down.
In the second half, the Vikings began peppering the Rams with A-gap pressure and I thought Goff responded well, even if he wasn't statistically productive.
The statistically-driven narrative will be that Goff isn't that good because the Rams don’t produce at the same high rate against strong defenses. However, Goff did his job; his receivers and line didn't.
P.S My take: Jared Goff wasn't the reason we lost. He is already better than Wentz (use the eyeball test), just compare their games last night. Goff is progressing at an alarming rate, Greg Olson deserves more credit than he has been getting. Goff looked like Joe Montana last night. Goff's in just his 17th game is displaying the confidence and poise of an Aaron Rodgers on the road, in hostile Viking territory. He made some mistakes but no QB is perfect. Imagine him next year, or the year after that..... He does need to work on his throw on the run accuracy with Tom House and Adam Dedeaux @3DQB. I'd also like to see him add another 10-15 pounds.
