Well we know Goff had downfield ability, he showed it. We also know Stafford does.
The question in 2020 was, why were they throwing long less often. Some argue that without Cooks they didn't have the horses (go watch 2018 championship game--Cooks came through in that game, it made a difference...he had 8 targets and 7 catches for 107 yards).
Some argue that either Goff wouldn't pull the trigger on them or that McVay subtracted those plays. Some say McVay subtracted those plays to keep Goff and turnovers in check, which doesn't make any sense to me because Goff's issues with turnovers (in those games where he had those issues) it was not from downfield throws. Plus if you look at 3rd and long, Goff was ranked 5th in the league in converting those (Stafford btw was first). That's a significant stat.
Some say McVay subtracted those plays because the OL couldn't hold up so they made it is quick passing game. There were also reports that McVay changed up the offense, but then I point out that without a training camp it's hard to get everyone on the same page with that. (Maybe you shouldn't change up the offense in a covid year.)
Whatever it was, 2020 is probably going to be an anomaly when it comes to this.
BUT since there's a good chance the lack of a WR who could execute it consistently by flat beating guys deep had an effect, and some inconsistency in OL play had an effect, IMO the Rams are going to want to add an WR and keep upgrading the OL. That's even with Stafford, who has the arm to throw long all game.
I don't forsee a world where they ignore WR and OL issues and just act like Stafford by himself fixes it all (just talking about the deep ball).
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2021 04:11AM by zn.
