NFL.com’s QB index pushes Jared Goff into the top 20

If it wasn’t for the two interceptions last week, Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff had an excellent day against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14. Over the past two games, Goff has a QBR of 123.9 compared to 72.8 for the first 12 games.

What’s been positive for Goff as of late is his protection of the ball in regards to fumbles. Yes, he’s been throwing interceptions (which some of those are not entirely his fault), but his “smaller than desired” hands haven’t been an issue lately.

Here is what the guys at NFL.com said about Goff on the week 15 QB Index:

It’s an interesting argument that Goff is more effective when he’s not the primary driver, which is code for “system quarterback” nonsense. They make it seem like the run game is going on all-cylinders right now and Goff is only throwing the ball a dozen times or something — not the case. Yes, they ran the ball 35 times (two of those were Goff) and Goff threw the ball 31 times. In the Week 13 game vs. the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams ran the ball 30 times and Goff had 43 passing attempts and they were very successful.

Do these stats make Goff complimentary? I say no.

Even if you argue that the Rams have a more balanced attack, they are still more of a throwing team than a smash-mouth rushing attack. And the offensive line has been playing better lately, so that needs to be taken into account as well.

If anything, RB Todd Gurley II is a system running back. There. I said it. Merry Christmas.

Just like every other week, I will end this with the caveat that Goff’s turnovers are keeping him out of the top ten of this very important QB index. By the way, QB Ryan Tannehill is ranked #8 on this list. A guy who could very likely be a talking head on the NFL Network in two seasons.

Goff will have three more regular season chances, starting with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15, to prove that his contract isn’t a disaster and that he belongs as the QB1 of the LA Rams.