It’s far from hyperbole to say that Jared Goff‘s NFL career has gotten off to an extremely rocky start.
The first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft endured a rookie campaign fraught with adversity. His Los Angeles Rams lost all seven games he started last season while he managed just five touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions. Pro Football Focus gave him a lower player grade than Brock Osweiler.
But under a new regime led by head coach Sean McVay, Goff will be entering year two with a fresh start of sorts. Heading into training camp later this month, his teammates are offering support to the embattled signal caller. It includes running back Todd Gurley, who dealt with his own share of struggles last season.
Jared Goff “Getting Better” According to Todd Gurley
The soon-to-be third year player told SiriusXM NFL recently that he’s expecting a much improved Goff in 2017.
“Oh, he’s been getting better,” Gurley said, via NFL.com’s Jeremy Burgman. “Obviously, he didn’t go number one for no reason. He has the talent and he’s just been getting better.”
“He definitely had a great OTAs, (and a) great minicamp,” he continued. “Coaches have been doing a good job with him. Just his preparation, him being there all day, he’s been great so far, man, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
The front office made a concerted effort to surround Goff with more weapons in the off-season. They added three pass-catchers in the draft, picking tight end Gerald Everett as well as wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. Robert Woods, who played collegiately at USC, came in via free agency from the Buffalo Bills.
Another key element in Goff’s potential improvement moving forward is keeping him upright. The Rams allowed 49 sacks last season which was second worst in the league behind the Cleveland Browns. Getting better play out of the offensive line in pass protection is a must.
Los Angeles made a huge investment towards that end with their most expensive signing of free agency. The team inked left tackle Andrew Whitworth to a three-year, $33.75 million deal on March 9th. Though he’s up there in age at 35, Whitworth has made the Pro Bowl in both of the previous two seasons.
Whitworth is eager to play his part in helping Goff reach the next level. Though it will require Goff putting in work to improve his craft, his teammates on offense also need to step up.
“It’s just getting him to let it out and be confident and be assertive and run the show,” Whitworth told the LA Times. “We all go as far as the quarterback goes and it’s our job to make his job easier.”
With a new coaching staff and a revamped receiving corps, the pieces are in place for Goff to realize improvement in 2017. That said, it may not be enough to overtake the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. Nevertheless, the organization appears headed in the right direction. And a rebound from Goff after a forgettable rookie campaign will confirm that sentiment.
The first step begins on July 29th when Rams players report for training camp on July 29th. Preparation for the 2017 regular season takes place at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA.
