Three reasons why Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff will improve

[Riverumbbq]

Can a fanbase and a front office panic when the team is undefeated? Introducing your 2019 LA Rams!

By Joey The Jerk@LaRamsRamsRams Sep 24, 2019, 2:21pm CDT

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

So far this season, the Los Angeles Rams rank 16th in offensive DVOA through three weeks per Football Outsiders after finishing 2nd in 2018. They also plummeted from 2nd to 16th in total yards this season. So, what gives?
The supposed “fix” that teams came up for Rams Head Coach Sean McVay’s offensive scheme has mostly been dealt with in the first three games. While teams have been using six-man fronts across the line, McVay has been exploiting this trend by creating mismatches with WR Cooper Kupp which is partly the reason why he’s looked so dominant this season to go along with a positive running game.
The overriding issue though is that QB Jared Goff is not benefiting from McVay’s adjustments. Or at least, so far he has not. And there’s been some heated moments between McVay and Goff on the sidelines probably due to frustrations with the execution. But all that flows underneath the bridge when you win the game, right?

In his first three games, Goff has a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.2. That’s Joe Flacco-esque. The concern regarding our $134m man is understandable.
But Goff will turn the corner. Here’s why:

The interior linemen will settle in
Think of the first four games as a preseason in which the stats actually count. The intensity of live games cannot be replicated in practice. Since the starters didn’t touch the field in the preseason, you’re going to see some rough waters with the new guys. Second-year C Brian Allen has a lot on his shoulders, and the drop from veteran C John Sullivan to Allen has been seismic. Add in the injury to RG Austin Blythe and the growing pains that will naturally happen with LG Joseph Noteboom, well... it’s a lot.
Goff has been pressured more than the last two seasons, but it’s a lot more about execution than talent. Once Blythe returns and the game slows down a bit more for Noteboom and Allen, Goff will be happy and productive.

The run game will find its identity
Why? Because it has to.

When will RB Darrell Henderson Jr. find some playing time? There have been no signs of that happening so far, but something has to happen because Gurley isn’t the same as he was last year. McVay has called a very aggressive passing attack to start the games this season as a reaction to the six guys lining up against the Rams. The positive takeaway from this is that McVay has found success by directing the run plays to the undersized defensive backs. Of course, this hasn’t been a strong trend for the offense, but it’s one that will be become a bigger focus in the weeks to come. Whether it’s RB Todd Gurley or RB Malcolm Brown or Henderson at some point, the Rams are going to figure out how to extend run plays. And once that happens, Goff’s playaction options will return.
Also, I am a believer that Goff will reestablish his passing connection with Gurley. Once he spends hours watching plays like this, over and over, Goff is going to see that he needs to throw the ball to his running back.

What’s been working for Goff this season has been great
For the casual fan that has only seen the highlights for Goff, he has looked pretty great! When he rolls out to find a wide-open Kupp for a touchdown? Awesome. An absolute dime to WR Brandin Cooks going deep? Amazing! A 3rd down conversion to a diving WR Robert Woods? Amen. But we’ve seen the spaces in between where Goff’s performance has been less stellar.
Goff’s inconsistency can largely be blamed on timing issues with a re-constructed offensive line and a new scheme that’s attempting to address the opposing team’s reaction to the recent success of Goff and the Rams.
It’s a lot to deal with, but Goff is up to the task.
The Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be a good indicator of where we’re heading with Goff moving forward.
The rust has been shaken off. The scheme has been revised, and expectations have been adjusted. What does that mean for Rams fans?
It means you can trust your quarterback. He’s got this.

Three reasons why Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff will improve

Can a fanbase and a front office panic when the team is undefeated? Introducing your 2019 LA Rams!

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[Riverumbbq]

Rams open as big favorites over Buccaneers in Week 4

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago

Sitting at 3-0, the Los Angeles Rams once again look like one of the best teams in the league. Only seven other teams remain unbeaten, one of which is also in the NFC West (49ers). It’s not as if it’s been an easy schedule for the Rams, either.
They had to face the Panthers on the road in Week 1, followed by an NFC championship rematch with the Saints and an away game against Baker Mayfield’s Browns. The Rams have checked every box along the way, despite some struggles from Jared Goff.

They do have a favorable matchup in Week 4 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming to town. The Rams are predictably favored in that one, but by how much? According to BetMGM, Los Angeles is favored by nine points over the Bucs.
That’s the second-largest spread of the week with only the Chargers being favored by more in their game against the Dolphins (16.5).
The over/under line of 50.5 points is also the second-highest total of Week 4.
The Rams are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games dating back to last season and 6-0 ATS in their last six games against NFC opponents. This is a game they should absolutely win, though covering the spread might be tough. The Bucs aren’t a great team, but the defense had been playing well prior to last week.

Rams open as big favorites over Buccaneers in Week 4

The Rams are favored for the fourth straight week.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[Petrowsky]

Can a fanbase and a front office panic when the team is undefeated? Introducing your 2019 LA Rams!

By Joey The Jerk@LaRamsRamsRams Sep 24, 2019, 2:21pm CDT

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

So far this season, the Los Angeles Rams rank 16th in offensive DVOA through three weeks per Football Outsiders after finishing 2nd in 2018. They also plummeted from 2nd to 16th in total yards this season. So, what gives?
The supposed “fix” that teams came up for Rams Head Coach Sean McVay’s offensive scheme has mostly been dealt with in the first three games. While teams have been using six-man fronts across the line, McVay has been exploiting this trend by creating mismatches with WR Cooper Kupp which is partly the reason why he’s looked so dominant this season to go along with a positive running game.
The overriding issue though is that QB Jared Goff is not benefiting from McVay’s adjustments. Or at least, so far he has not. And there’s been some heated moments between McVay and Goff on the sidelines probably due to frustrations with the execution. But all that flows underneath the bridge when you win the game, right?

In his first three games, Goff has a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.2. That’s Joe Flacco-esque. The concern regarding our $134m man is understandable.
But Goff will turn the corner. Here’s why:

The interior linemen will settle in
Think of the first four games as a preseason in which the stats actually count. The intensity of live games cannot be replicated in practice. Since the starters didn’t touch the field in the preseason, you’re going to see some rough waters with the new guys. Second-year C Brian Allen has a lot on his shoulders, and the drop from veteran C John Sullivan to Allen has been seismic. Add in the injury to RG Austin Blythe and the growing pains that will naturally happen with LG Joseph Noteboom, well... it’s a lot.
Goff has been pressured more than the last two seasons, but it’s a lot more about execution than talent. Once Blythe returns and the game slows down a bit more for Noteboom and Allen, Goff will be happy and productive.

The run game will find its identity
Why? Because it has to.

When will RB Darrell Henderson Jr. find some playing time? There have been no signs of that happening so far, but something has to happen because Gurley isn’t the same as he was last year. McVay has called a very aggressive passing attack to start the games this season as a reaction to the six guys lining up against the Rams. The positive takeaway from this is that McVay has found success by directing the run plays to the undersized defensive backs. Of course, this hasn’t been a strong trend for the offense, but it’s one that will be become a bigger focus in the weeks to come. Whether it’s RB Todd Gurley or RB Malcolm Brown or Henderson at some point, the Rams are going to figure out how to extend run plays. And once that happens, Goff’s playaction options will return.
Also, I am a believer that Goff will reestablish his passing connection with Gurley. Once he spends hours watching plays like this, over and over, Goff is going to see that he needs to throw the ball to his running back.

What’s been working for Goff this season has been great
For the casual fan that has only seen the highlights for Goff, he has looked pretty great! When he rolls out to find a wide-open Kupp for a touchdown? Awesome. An absolute dime to WR Brandin Cooks going deep? Amazing! A 3rd down conversion to a diving WR Robert Woods? Amen. But we’ve seen the spaces in between where Goff’s performance has been less stellar.
Goff’s inconsistency can largely be blamed on timing issues with a re-constructed offensive line and a new scheme that’s attempting to address the opposing team’s reaction to the recent success of Goff and the Rams.
It’s a lot to deal with, but Goff is up to the task.
The Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be a good indicator of where we’re heading with Goff moving forward.
The rust has been shaken off. The scheme has been revised, and expectations have been adjusted. What does that mean for Rams fans?
It means you can trust your quarterback. He’s got this.

Three reasons why Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff will improve

Can a fanbase and a front office panic when the team is undefeated? Introducing your 2019 LA Rams!

www.turfshowtimes.com

I’m definitely not worried yet, but I need to see some improvement from Goff and the play calling. While the offensive line hasn’t been terrible, I’m sure the differences are more noticeable to Goff after the continuity he’s experienced the last 2 years. Like is laid out above, the line will get better. That will help Goff. If anyone can figure this out it’s McVay and Goff. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.

 

[Zodi]

We need to put 50 up on the Bucs.

 

[Bootleg]

Sorry if this is obvious to most of you, but now I understand why McVay keeps running all those receiver screens. He's trying to go around the "6-1" box and attack the secondary on the ground. Interesting that it hasn't worked all that well so far. Will he keep it up against the Bucs if they come out in a "6-1" front?

 

[SierraRam]

As the o-line goes, so goes Goff. When the new guys jell, he'll be fine. And so will Gurley...

 

[LesBaker]

I'd give the points. No problem.

Anyone want this action?

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

Can a fanbase and a front office panic when the team is undefeated? Introducing your 2019 LA Rams!

Well judging by our 3-0 vent thread, apparently so

Amazing

 

[rams1fan]

I'm really not all that worried yet. McVay changed up the offense we were running for two years. I think it takes time to become effecient with the changes.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Can a fanbase and a front office panic when the team is undefeated? Introducing your 2019 LA Rams!

Well judging by our 3-0 vent thread, apparently so

Amazing

There's a pretty wide gulf between 'panic' and concern.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

Sorry if this is obvious to most of you, but now I understand why McVay keeps running all those receiver screens. He's trying to go around the "6-1" box and attack the secondary on the ground. Interesting that it hasn't worked all that well so far. Will he keep it up against the Bucs if they come out in a "6-1" front?

I'd like to see a set it up to throw that and use it as a fake.

Have the receivers sell the screen but just juke the block and hit a quick shot/fade route.

Or have Goff fake the wide screen flip over and hand a delayed hand off to Gurley.

How about put Gurley out there wide and run the screen play.

 

[Bootleg]

How about put Gurley out there wide and run the screen play.

Yes!

And how about a good old fashioned full back complimenting Gurley? That'll throw a wrench into that 6-1 front. But then again I'm just an armchair fool. I'm sure McVay's got this...

 

[Loyal]

There's a pretty wide gulf between 'panic' and concern.

I/m concerned that there is not more panic! ~OC

 

[Loyal]

Fan expectations wre/are that the team should be blowing their opponents out in year 3 of McVay. My God we're spoiled!. From Linehan to Fisher, how estatic we would have been to be 3-0 after a Super Bowl appearance during those horrible years? lol

 

[TexasRam]

It's almost all related to what is happening up front.

Review the film:

Noteboom will get much better and be a solid guard this year, but right now he is having major issues getting out and blocking LBers which is killing plays. He also doesnt sustain his blocks any where near the level Saffold did. His pass pro is decent but there are more than a few "who do i block" misreads each game. First full year in the system as a guard, its gonna take time. He does have the brains, feet balance and technique to be a real good Olineman soon.

Allen has been better than i expected. He has been decent in pass protection and surprisingly good in the run game thus far. His line calls per Mcvay have been excellent. Looks like Allen will become a top level run blocking Center.

Demby has been a nightmare thus far. I counted 5 play killing fails by Demby in the first half alone of the Browns game. False starts, blocking the wrong guy leading to free rushers killing the pass play and getting beat in pass protection a few times. This is the same guy the Rams cut as a backup. The good news is Blythe won't have the same mental mistakes with false starts and assignments so no free Rushers unblocked. Blythe does get beat at times in his 1 0n 1 pass pro, but he will at least slow a guy down. We need better depth at Guard, straight up.

Whit - Still solid but appears a little more prone to getting beat on the inside move of the DE these days. Still a B+ Tackle by my grades. Stood up well vs Garrett who is an Elite pass rushers.

Havenstein - Still the best run blocking RT out there. Struggles against the Cam Jordans of the world, which is fine. Can't have Elite players at every postition.

WR's - WR blocking against the Browns was uncharacteristically poor. Kupp, Woods and Cooks all got beat on multiple occasions.

 

[“Turbo set!”]

The good news with Demby and Noteboom is missing assignments is something that can be corrected.

I think both can be decent lineman. I am higher on Demby than most. He is still inexperienced.

 

[Akrasian]

I'm really not all that worried yet. McVay changed up the offense we were running for two years. I think it takes time to become effecient with the changes.

Going against 3 above average defenses they have scored what? 77 points? So almost 26 points a game. Not dreamily fantastic - but good. That's with the OL questions.

Yes, they need to improve, and likely will as the three newbys on the OL improve. They are still good offensively even before that, and I expect will be better.

Would I love to have Saffold back, with Noteboom at RT - but that is not the case. But for all the consternation, they really haven't sucked the first 3 games. They've been solid offensively - and yes, that includes their lowlights.

FWIW, given their schedule, they have been one of the best teams in the NFL thus far, and that includes their offense. They're not perfect, and improvement would be good - but they are from from being worthy of panicking.

 

[GabesHorn]

I’m definitely not worried yet, but I need to see some improvement from Goff and the play calling. While the offensive line hasn’t been terrible, I’m sure the differences are more noticeable to Goff after the continuity he’s experienced the last 2 years. Like is laid out above, the line will get better. That will help Goff. If anyone can figure this out it’s McVay and Goff. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Jordan then Garrett in back to back weeks is a major challenge to any NFL team. Both All Pros. O-Line has Blythe back and will start to roll and give Gurley bigger holes and they'll get to second level.

 

[GabesHorn]

Jordan then Garrett in back to back weeks is a major challenge to any NFL team. Both All Pros. O-Line has Blythe back and will start to roll and give Gurley bigger holes and they'll get to second level.

'Hope Higbee is fully healthy and back in his blocking role. Don't want his lungs hurt anymore. Flack jacket time.

 

[Petrowsky]

Jordan then Garrett in back to back weeks is a major challenge to any NFL team. Both All Pros. O-Line has Blythe back and will start to roll and give Gurley bigger holes and they'll get to second level.

Yeah I get it. I’m not ripping on the line. I’m simply saying that I’m sure having a large turnover on the offensive line, even if the play hasn’t been bad, probably creates nuanced issues. I’m sure that’s especially true when you had the same exact line for 2 years running. Even if the performance only slipped slightly, I feel like it probably takes some getting used to. He has a different center, which I’m sure creates issues that we probably take for granted. When you combine the play calling, defensive adjustments, and the difference in having a 60% turnover on the O-line (games Demby has played) are all factors in why the offense isn’t rolling.