Re: answer; some injuries and offensive scheme.

Goff’s struggles are attributable to more pressure and less time in the pocket to make reads. Why less time? Defenses have mostly taken away the mid to deep routes, playing a bend but don’t break defense and the Rams have been unable to score because of turnovers or failed red zone production resulting in fieldgoals. Certainly Goff could improve ball security and make better decision on throws, but his poor performance stems from an offensive line not performing as well after the bye week. I don’t think it is entirely attributable to age of the linemen. That could be a factor, but you would think after the bye week they may be somewhat refreshed. I think it the offensive line issues began on the first drive against Detroit when Gurley was tacked awkwardly and had to come out. The Rams barely ran after that, when they did it was not as effective as it had been. The jet sweep or even the threat of one was not present and has not been since that game. With little to no running threat, PLAY ACTION IS NOT CAUSING THE DEFENSE TO HESITATE. Against the Bears I saw the same thing. It looked like things were turning around early for the run game against the Eagles, when two injuries occurred. The center in an early drive and Gurley at some point in the first half. Again no jet sweeps, little to no Run threat and defense for the third game in a row playing 4 deep. A defense which calls for the offense to RUN, be patient and dump if off to a running back out of the back field. All year screens and catches out of the back field by Gurley have provided significant production until the Detroit game. When the Rams pulled the center out after a potential concussion the offense was immediately stagnate and out of sync. Under the current McVay offensive scheme, Gurley or some other running back must pick up the slack so the threat of the Run is realized. If the defensive line and linebackers have to respect the threat of the run and can be moved by the jet sweep or threat we will see Goff with more time and we will see the Rams be better able to attack a defense who is playing 4 deep. Losing Malcom Brown earlier was huge and the Rams depth has been exposed. I am also convinced that losing Kupp has contributed to Goff’s ineffectiveness, he seemed to use Kupp as a very effective safety net. He was such an intrigue part of the offense. If Gurley doesn’t return to full ability, then McVay better change up his offensive scheme.