Goff wasn't the problem. IMO two areas stood out in the game one of which is on McVay.
1. Offensively, McVay outsmarted himself. He knew the strength of the Buff's D was their front 7. So instead of trusting his original formula, he returned to last year's losing style of play. He abandoned the inside zone and gap blocking on the run attack and ran primarily the old outside zone trying to focus upon the perimeter. What he should have done was continue to build upon the success they have had with the inside run attack. That would have made the play-action more effective. It caused some confusion on the interior o-line, particularly on the failed blocking inside the Buff's 5 yd line. Blythe blew the call or his assignment as after the series, Sean had a very annoyed look on his face as he had words with Blythe as he came off the field.
2. Defensively, it was the same old story I've been saying all season. Staley's defensive scheme is far too passive. He doesn't attack he allows the offense to dictate the play. His passive scheme allows teams to march up and down the field and only tightens as the field shortens. He so worried about giving up the big play he sacrifices the short game, both run and pass to achieve his goal. What he is trying to do is emulate the style that both the Chargers and Seahawks run. But both those teams play it far more aggressively than he does. Also, both those teams allow too much yardage between the 20's and really keeps the games close. Seattle is successful only because Wilson is able to outscore the opponents. The Charger offense isn't as good so they are losers. When Staley does employ a man coverage scheme he's pretty successful because that is the kind of personnel he has in his secondary. Staley tightened up a bit this week but not nearly enough. He allowed a struggling offense to control the clock at the end of the first half. Only a very good play by Williams saved the Rams. It shouldn't come down to that. Once again he allowed the opposition to control the clock on their last drive. Staley's scheme is a freaking loser.
