When you look at the Los Angeles Rams offense, one thing comes to mind. They are young. Additionally, they are young in the right places. One of those places is the QB position. Second-year QB, Jared Goff will have full control in 2017. How will handle all the nuances of a new offseason? Can he have a solid second season and avoid disaster?
The Rams drafted Jared Goff first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. The plan was for him to sit behind Case Keenum. However, Keenum began to falter after a 3-1 start. Keenum would win only 1 of his next 6 games. This prompted then Head Coach Jeff Fisher to turn to Jared Goff.
Goff would have a rough seven-game introduction to the NFL. He would only complete 55% of his passes. Goff would throw for less than 1,100 yards in those seven games. He would have five TDs to seven INTs. The offense would only average 155-yards passing per game. Not the ideal start for the number one overall selection.
2017 brings a changing of the guard. In steps new Head Coach Sean McVay and Offensive Coordinator Matt Lafleur. Both are outstanding coaches. They will work well with the young Goff. Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins would not be where he is today had it not been for the work of Sean McVay. This will become a good match for the future of the Los Angeles Rams.
I also see this system allowing Jared Goff to flourish in 2017. It is a very QB friendly system. The Rams have also made some changes up front to coincide with this system. This will help put a solid running game in place. A solid running game is vitally important in helping a young QB succeed. All of this will increase the play of Jared Goff.
Goff can have an exceptional year in 2017. The key will be his command of the team and if he has really put in the effort to learn the new system. As I stated early, it is a QB friendly system. One that should play well with the youth of the Los Angeles Rams. This is why I am selecting QB Jared Goff as the Rams 2017 Breakout Player.
Editor’s Note: This article can also be seen in our upcoming NFL Preview Edition.