I was listening to the Rams' post-game report after the game, and one of the hosts states matter-of-factually that the Rams won despite Goff being "somewhat off" and I was a little taken aback. Our young QB had just completed his second 4th Q comeback win, throwing for 300 an 3 TDS, and his effort was being diminished because . . . what, he missed a few throws?
I defy anyone who thought JG was subpar to go the Rams website, where they have a link to Goff's best throws on Sunday, and watch the clip. There are 8 - 10 throws that are simply spectacular, eye popping throws, clutch throws, and he made many of these throws under duress. Conversely, Rodgers, made some long gainers to wide open receivers, but didn't have a third of Goff's on-the-money, tight window lasers. Now, watching
how Rodgers throws the ball is impressive, he almost never sets his feet and flicks the ball with supreme accuracy and power. But I was also struck by this: Six minutes left, game on the line, Rodgers ahead by 1 point against the Rams' D. Two first downs can just about ice the game for the Packers. Rodgers goes incomplete, short run, sack, punt. Goff then drives the Rams for the winning score. Those that say Rodgers was a lock to win the game sans the fumble must have forgotten the preceding drive with the game on the line. With only two minutes and no opportunity to run the ball, it was by no means a lock that Rodgers wins that game.
I think those who are judging Goff more harshly than others must ask themselves: "What is my expectation of Goff?" If you are comparing him to his performance against Minnesota, then you likely consider Goff a Top 2-3 QB in the league. If that's the case, then yes, maybe he was "rattled" or "somewhat off", etc. But if you consider Goff a top 10, but not top 2 QB, then he was probably at the top of his game yesterday. Not perfect, but really really good. YMMV