Jared Goff might not be ready, but that doesn't mean Rams didn't make progress

Jared Goff might not be ready, but that doesn't mean Rams didn't make progress

By VINCENT BONSIGNORE / STAFF COLUMNIST

[www.ocregister.com]


MINNEAPOLIS – The Rams boarded a late-night flight home from Minnesota on Thursday after concluding the preseason with a 27-25 loss to the Vikings. Awaiting them in Southern California was a massive move from their training camp site in Irvine to their home base in Thousand Oaks, a looming deadline to trim the roster from 75 players to the final 53-man roster and the realization that prized rookie quarterback Jared Goff will likely start his first NFL season as a third-stringer.

The next few days will be as hectic as they are sobering, and with the regular season 11 days away there is a ton of work left to do to get ready for the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 12 in Santa Clara.

With the preseason now in the books, here is what we learned about the Rams after Thursday’s preseason finale.

GOFF HAS A LONG WAY TO GO

As much as it was a shock to hear Rams coach Jeff Fisher admit Goff will likely start the season behind both Case Keenum and Sean Mannion, it’s the right call.

Goff is not ready to take the field in a meaningful game. That doesn’t mean he can’t be ready one day or won’t ever be ready, but as we stand at the beginning of a new season Goff needs a ton of work.

“It’s all about being patient with him,” Fisher said.

Goff finished the preseason 22-of-49 passing for 232 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and three fumbles.

Those are unsteady numbers to be sure, and while he remains steadfast in his ability – as do the Rams – his immediate future is more about learning and developing behind the scenes rather than playing.

The last month has been an eye-opening process for Goff, and he pledges to emerge better and stronger for it.

“The good things I did and all of the stuff I can learn from,” he said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of both.”

THOSE DROPS, THOUGH

A bunch of Rams had a chance to open eyes or solidify spots on the roster Thursday, but some failed to seize the moment. Specifically the wide receivers.

Brian Quick, who hasn’t developed like the Rams hoped after drafting him in the second round five years ago, again had issues holding onto the ball. It’s an ongoing issue for Quick, and it’s hard to imagine the Rams moving forward with him in any sort of prominent role.

For now, his job might depend on the overall health of the position. With rookie Pharoh Cooper and Nelson Spruce both nursing injuries – after sparkling during training camp – the Rams may have to hold on to Quick for the time being.

HAVENSTEIN GETS IN ON THE ACTION

The Rams are ecstatic with the progress right tackle Rob Havenstein has made getting back on the field after missing most of camp with a leg issue. Not too long ago, there was legitimate concern he’d be physically fit enough to start the season, but he closed the gap over the last two weeks and was miraculously cleared to play Thursday against the Vikings.

Havenstein had some obvious rust, but he’s got just over a week to shake the rest of it off before the opener. His return completes the Rams offensive line puzzle, and enables Rodger Saffold to move back to left guard after filling in for Havenstein through training camp. Even without Havenstein, the group has delivered a strong performance during training camp thanks to the development of Greg Robinson, the second pick overall in 2014.

MORGAN FOX FINISHES STRONG

As an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State Pueblo, defensive end Morgan Fox faced an obvious uphill climb cracking the 53-man roster. Forget the long haul going from a small school to the NFL, Fox also faced stiff competition in a position group as strong as any in the NFL.

But he made it through the first round of cuts and then sent a pretty impressive message with his two sacks against the Vikings. It was part of a very effective night for Fox, who clearly took advantage of the stage provided by the last preseason game.

MAKING THEIR CASE

The Rams played only six starters Thursday – Kenny Britt, offensive linemen Jamon Brown, Havenstein, Saffold, linebacker Akeem Ayers and safety Maurice Alexander.

Which meant of bunch of others had a chance to really make a case for a spot on the roster.

Aside from Fox, no one significantly seized the moment.

But a handful of players nudged their way into further consideration.

On the bright side, rookie TE Temarrick Hemingway flashed with three catches for 41 yards and rookie WR Michael Thomas had three catches for 30 yards.

And while the Rams are set with a deep, talented running back group, rookies Aaron Green and Terrence Magee each had productive nights with 66 and 41 yards rushing, respectfully.

Rookie DB Michael Jordan had five solo tackles and MLB Brandon Chubb had five tackles overall, including four solo. Meanwhile, second-year DL Matt Longacre continued his solid preseason with four tackles and a sack.