Jared Goff: “The Bad Period Is Behind Us”

The LA Rams led by Jared Goff experienced the playoffs last season. Back then they had the Coach of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and the Defensive Player of the Year. That didn’t prevent them from losing in the Wild-Card round to Falcons 26-13, at the Coliseum.

The year later, they went two steps further, but to be honest, that was expected from this team. Before the season started, they were one of the biggest, if not the biggest Super Bowl contender.

The arrivals of Aquib Talib, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters, etc, along with the contract extensions of an already created core, made them a super-team which is bound to win the Super Bowl according to most of the experts.

Still, as the regular part of the season approached to its end, the rampaging Rams showed some weak spots, and lost two big games in a row, against the Chicago Bears on the road and against the Eagles at home. It cost them the home field advantage in the postseason, and now LA has to go to New Orleans to meet the Saints, instead of playing at the Coliseum.

They did bounce back after that, but doubts stayed.

Rams’ quarterback spoke about this situation at the press conference dedicated to the contest in New Orleans.

“Every once in a while, you have a bad game or two. And I think that was the situation there,” Goff said.

He didn’t have some notable stats against the Cowboys. Only 186 yards without any touchdown passes or interceptions, with the completion percentage, which wasn’t shiny either, 15 successful passes in 28 attempts. Though, his rush for the crucial first down in the fourth quarter was something which pretty much decided the game.

According to the 24-year old, the bad period is behind him.

“There was various reasons why we weren’t doing well offensively, and why I wasn’t my sharpest. And I feel like we fixed those four weeks ago and I feel pretty good now.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI5PmnUGqJg

The running backs were the ones who created the victory against Dallas, with C.J.Anderson and Todd Gurley II combining for 238 yards.

Against the Saints, a one-dimensional performance isn’t going to guarantee success, and Goff needs to play better. The Superdome is an extremely hostile and loud environment, and Goff also spoke about the fact that his team needs to adjust to that circumstance.

“You obviously can’t hear very well and have to use a lot of visual signals, visual communication, and just be on the screws just that much more” he added.

The stake is enormous. Super Bowl. And the young quarterback is aware of that, but he can’t think about it too much. What is important is this match, and his focus set is entirely on that. Many of the fans are concerned that Goff’s inexperience might negatively affect him, and that the pressure could overwhelm the youngster.

But for Sean McVay, there isn’t any doubt about the leader of his offense. Rams’ head coach is certain that Goff has everything needed to overcome all the obstacles in front of him.

“I don’t think any moment’s too big for him,” McVay said. “I think he’s just going to go about his normal weekly rhythm this week… He really doesn’t allow himself to get too high or too low, and that is why you feel confident”

Todd Gurley II also spoke about the game, saying that his team is entirely different when compared to the last season, and that he doesn’t want to talk about the past, only the present.

“I don’t even, honestly, remember last year. I just know this is a new year,” Gurley said. “Just looking at Talib today — him and Peters. It’s just like — this is it.”

The Rams and the Saints already met once this season, and that happened in Week 9, at the Superdome. The hosts defeated McVay’s boys with 45-35, inflicting them the first loss of the season, after 8 straight wins. Goff threw for 391 yards and 3 touchdowns with one interception.

Back then small details made a difference, and it wouldn’t be unfair even if the Rams got that one. But they didn’t. And now they have an extra motive to defeat Drew Brees and his team.