Goff vs Wentz
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by Tim McManus
The top two picks in the 2016 NFL draft, quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, will square off for the first time when the Los Angeles Rams host the Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET) on Sunday.
They’re not exactly players cut from the same cloth. Goff is a blond-haired, laid-back California boy who gained national fame as a three-year starter at Cal; Wentz an intense redhead out of North Dakota who was barely recruited out of high school and flew under the radar playing for North Dakota State. They have different backgrounds and different styles, but both are experiencing high levels of success in their sophomore seasons and have their teams sitting in first place in their respective divisions.
Contrasting stylesGoff spends more time in the pocket (2.50 seconds per snap) than any other quarterback in the league. He has thrown all 20 of his TDs from the pocket this season.
Wentz is often at his best when escaping pressure and creating on the outside. He has thrown six touchdowns from out of the pocket this season, tied for most in the NFL (Case Keenum).
Wentz's style of play tends to lead to more hits. He's absorbed 85 QB contacts -- sixth in the NFL -- and has been sacked 27 times, compared to 36 QB contacts (ranked 23rd) and 20 sacks for Goff.
Similar resultsBoth have been downright deadly on third down and in the red zone. Goff has a 64 percent completion rate with seven touchdowns and two interceptions on third down; Wentz is a touch better with a 66.4 completion rate with 12 touchdowns and two picks.
Inside the 20, it's near perfection. Wentz has thrown 20 TDs and zero interceptions in the red zone with no sacks. Goff is right behind him with 16 TDs, zero interceptions and two sacks. That's 36 combined touchdowns with no interceptions. Nasty.
Keys for SundayIf the Rams come at Wentz with the blitz, they best not miss. He's been blitzed 170 times this season, the most in the NFL. He's thrown 12 touchdowns to zero interceptions when opponents bring the extra man.
Goff has actually been better away from the Coliseum this season. Five of his six interceptions have come at home. His stats are better almost across the board when on the road. He'll need to buck that trend in order to get the best of his draft partner this weekend.
Best,
Laram
