Jared Goff's progress, Denver D's role in QB battle and moreNFL.com
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As we head into the thick of the preseason, NFL Media's network of reporters gets you up to speed with the hottest news and notes from across the league, including:
But first, a look at Jared Goff's progress heading into the second game of the preseason ...
On the surface, it might seem that Rams quarterback Jared Goff didn't show much in his team's 28-24 preseason-opening victory over Dallas, especially since Cowboys rookie QB Dak Prescott, a fourth-round pick, showed out as his team's starter.
Let's do everyone a service here and dig a little deeper.
Start with Goff's second throw of the game (his first was a dropped pass). Goff was drilled by Cowboys linebacker Derek Akunne on a blitz, in which Akunne came from Goff's right, untouched. Goff admitted he didn't see him, even though Akunne came from his front side. It was a cleverly executed blitz that left Goff exposed and his left (non-throwing) shoulder bruised after he was taken to the ground. On the Rams' next series, Goff returned with 3:37 remaining before halftime and the ball on his own 13-yard line -- not much time to march into scoring position. This is the type of situation in which coaches love to see how young players perform -- and if they possess the proper mettle.
Poise, clock management and football IQ all convened. Goff was fully exposed.
Goff's first pass, a quick out to rookie draft pick Mike Thomas, was dropped. On second down, he connected with rookie tight end Tyler Higbee, who already is Goff's on-field BFF (and camp roommate). On third-and-3, a 14-yard completion again to Higbee. Goff and the offense were in a groove. The 21-year-old QB later would say his first series was a bit of an eye-opener, but at this point, it felt like he was playing football again.
Later in the drive, Goff completed two more passes -- one a 14-yarder to Higbee. Two plays later, he drilled a beautiful pass inside the red zone on a post route to impressive rookie wideout Pharoh Cooper, who couldn't hang on after taking a nice pop from J.J. Wilcox.
On third-and-10 from the Cowboys' 37, the drive stalled when Goff was sacked. He knew he was doomed quickly and wisely took the temporary loss. Other than showing composure and field presence on the drive, Goff also learned something -- and we learned something about Goff.
He told me that, during the second drive, the Cowboys showed the same blitz look they used on the previous series -- in which he was sacked. Goff adjusted the protection, checked into a safe play, checked into hot passing routes and got the ball in play.
It might seem simple, but it's growth. Mental progress is what coaches want to see more than anything right now with Goff, and they've steadily seen it over the past few weeks.
I was told by someone with ties to Goff that he works best when he learns his own way and at his own pace, not when things are forced. The Rams have taken this approach and, according to some coaches I have spoken with, he is learning quickly and shaping into the player they hope that he will be.
The Rams publicly are slow-playing Goff's development and downplaying expectations in the short term. I still believe that he is on track to start Week 1 against the 49ers.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Goff will be getting more reps with the first-team offense this Saturday against Kansas City. That only makes sense. Goff needs work with the crew he's going to eventually play with. Fisher also got to see first-hand why it is important for the backup QB to get significant reps with starters during the preseason, after watching Dallas' Prescott complete 10 of his 12 passes for 139 yards and two TDs in the first half against his defense.
Let's not overblow this. The Rams were playing as basic a defense as they could play, but Prescott was comfortable and in total control with the personnel he's been working with for weeks -- because starter Tony Romo gets days off and projected backup Kellen Moore is out with a fractured ankle.
Prescott looked far more polished than Goff in the opener, but he also was playing with Dez Bryant and the best offensive line in the NFL. That's not to take anything away from Prescott, because he made a great first impression and eased some concerns about the Cowboys' backup QB spot. If he follows things up with more impressive play, then Jerry Jones might have some insurance if Romo gets hurt -- or, at least, a developmental heir.
With Goff drafted to be anointed the starter at some point, getting him as much time with the first-team offense as possible is a must. As we get closer to the regular season and the Rams begin to game plan, backup reps shrink.
Speaking of backup reps, Rams second-year quarterback Sean Mannion led the second-half comeback against the Cowboys, completing 18 of 25 passes for 147 yards with three touchdowns and a pick.
Rams coaches speak highly of him, but if they honestly thought that much of him, they would not have given up a boatload of draft picks to select Goff first overall. That said, if Mannion continues to play well, he could draw suitors elsewhere that could bring some compensation in a trade.
If that were to take place, it won't happen before the 2017 draft period, according to someone with the Rams that I recently spoke with. If someone offers something too good for the Rams to turn down for Mannion, which is highly unlikely, they might reconsider. But if a team needed immediate help, quarterback Case Keenum would seem more likely a trade target.
I couldn't see the Rams moving Keenum before the 2017 draft period, if at all. Goff is going to go through ups and downs, and without a veteran in the quarterback room -- and frankly, there isn't a true veteran leader on the team -- Keenum is the type of pro who is needed for guidance and to play if necessary.
-- Steve Wyche
