Bonsignore: From offensive line to receivers, Rams providing little support for rookie QB Jared GoffBy VINCENT BONSIGNORE / STAFF COLUMNIST
SEATTLE – Jared Goff didn't say much as he made his way across the Rams locker room at CenturyLink Field on Thursday night. With a sleepy look on his face and eyes that some would describe as dazed, he offered only a slight smile while giving a thumb’s-up sign.
It was a comforting gesture after Goff had spent much of a cold night in Seattle getting pummeled by a Seahawks defense that overwhelmed the Rams offensive line. The final blow was delivered by Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman as Goff raced down the sideline seeking a first down. It sent Goff slamming to the ground out of bounds, and after he wobbly rose back up to retreat to the huddle, he was immediately ordered off the field by game officials for fear of a possible concussion.
The whole scene was a scary reminder of the fire the Rams are playing with sending their rookie quarterback into meaningless games while operating behind an offensive line ill-equipped to protect him.
On one hand the Rams hope to build a foundation for Goff over the final few weeks of the season, from which he can climb into next year with a body of work under his belt and some clarity about playing quarterback on the NFL level.
Every play, every game, every up or down or good read or bad is a deposit in Goff's development. And with so much of the Rams’ future tied into the first overall pick in last April's draft, expediting that process is paramount.
On the other, it's easy to imagine Rams decision-makers holding their breath every time Goff drops back to pass. Their anxiety is justified, considering the team’s problems protecting its young quarterback. A national TV audience was confronted with that issue upon seeing left tackle Greg Robinson completely whiff on a pass block, leaving Seahawks end Cassius Marsh to easily slide past him unimpeded before thundering into Goff for a violent sack.
The Rams must weigh the development of Goff with the inherent danger of protecting him with one of the worst lines in the league.
Some other observations from a lost night in Seattle.
GOFF IS GETTING NO HELP
It's tough to gauge how far Jared Goff has come over his first four NFL starts, even unfair, as the rookie quarterback from Cal is getting minimal help from his offensive teammates.
Goff was sacked five times Thursday night, and was under pressure the majority of times he dropped back to pass.
When he was given time to throw, he was effective while going 11 of 17. And at least three of those misses where dropped balls. The most glaring one came when Michael Thomas dropped a well-thrown bomb from Goff to wipe out a big play early in the game.
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