Jared Goff: An NFL Underdog Already In Year 2

First off, I will say that I believe that Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff can be a productive starter.

When he was drafted #1 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, I had hopes he’d be an All-Pro QB that would lead the Rams back to glory. But I’ve tempered my expectations to a “solid game manager” since then. And who could blame me? Giving Goff the benefit of the doubt these days seems to be a fool’s errand.

Still, for ESPN’s Ryen Russillo claim that Goff is already a bust because he only played for two series in the first preseason game is a bit of a stretch:

It has taken less than a year for Jared Goff to go from golden boy to underdog.

I watched Goff in practice yesterday, and I didn’t come away with too many reasons to feel good about his aspirations of being him becoming the next Joe Montana. However, Goff still showed off the skills with his arm that makes me feel like he can remain a legit starter for the Rams.

Goff’s accuracy still needs some work, which isn’t exactly a secret.

And as Cameron DaSilva wrote for The Rams Wire earlier yesterday, he threw three interceptions. And yes, I’m troubled by those as well. But hey, the Rams’ defense is firing on all cylinders right now, so let them have their time in the sun.

But the 22-year old did have his moments. Any time he threw the ball to Cooper Kupp, it was an impressive reception.

For me as of now, on August 16, Jared Goff is not a bust. He’s not a star. He’s also not a mild-disappointment. He’s a player who is developing in a system with new coaches, a new star receiver, and a third-year running back that’s hungry for a bounce-back year.

Jared Goff still needs a season to grow as a quarterback. And he will do this while the media doubts his every throw before he makes it.

When will we know what we actually have in our #1 draft pick? Unfortunately, it won’t be anytime soon.