Perhaps teams are starting to get a handle on how to defend the offense. Early in the season when we were running and gunning on offense Goff had a clean pocket and time to go though is progression of reads. Now it seems that teams have figured out disrupt Goff's rhythm which is resulting in turnovers and incompletions. Teams are doing a better job of putting pressure on Goff while containing Gurley to some extent.
Seems like McVay needs to change things up a bit. He needs figure out how to burn defenses when they are committed to pressuring Goff. Typically screens are a good choice but teams are covering the Gurley screens petty well while still getting pressure. Double screens, reverses and quick hitting crossing routes and focusing on misdirection in general seemed to be missing in this game and Goff after getting bumped around he seemed to have real accuracy problems I remember Peyton Manning having issues when he got bounced around so it happens to the best of them.
I do think this is a great growth opportunity for McVay and Goff. For McVay he needs to come to grips with the fact that defenses are catching up and making adjustments to slow us down. The offense has been so successful all year that he may have found himself in a bit of a comfort zone. Now he will be challenged to make adjustments to how defenses are changing their approach so that he can exploit the adjustments they have made.
For Goff it is all about bouncing back. He really has played poorly 2 games in a row after being on top for most of the season. He is going to have to figure out how to get the ball out quicker and with more accuracy. Of course that is easy to say but it needs to be part of the game plan.
Overcoming adversity and trials only makes you stronger in the long run. We still have a few weeks to figure things out and the schedule has at least 2 very winnable games even with mediocre play. Perhaps the Eagles who are playing poorly will present a good challenge so maybe we will be able to test drive some of the adjustments before the playoffs start.
This other concern is that this team needs to use these remaining games to get ready for the playoffs. Last year we came out flat against the Falcons. I think another growth challenge for McVay and the entire team is to come out and play great in the playoffs. This is a leadership challenge that McVay will need to overcome and I hope he overcomes it this year.
Good news the defense is playing much better the last 2 weeks and we must trust in McVay and Goff that they will overcome the speed bumps we have had n the last 2 games.
