2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview: QB Jared Goff, system quarterback

A way out west, there was this fellah. A fellah I want to tell you about. A fellah by the name of...

Jared Goff.

At least that was the handle his loving parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. Mr. Goff, he called himself the “The System QB”. Now, a “System QB” - that’s a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then there was a lot about the System QB that didn’t make a whole lot of sense. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that’s why I found the place so darned interestin’. They call Los Angeles the “City Of Angels.” I didn’t find it to be that, exactly. But I’ll allow there are some nice folks there. ‘Course I can’t say I’ve seen London, and I ain’t never been to France. And I ain’t never seen no queen in her damned undies, so the feller says. But I’ll tell you what - after seeing Los Angeles, and this here story I’m about to unfold, well, I guess I seen somethin’ every bit as stupefyin’ as you’d see in any of them other places. And in English, too. So I can die with a smile on my face, without feelin’ like the good Lord gypped me. Now this here story I’m about to unfold took place back in the early ‘90s - just about the time of our conflict with Sad’m and the I-raqis. I only mention it because sometimes there’s a man... I won’t say a hero, ‘cause, what’s a hero? But sometimes, there’s a man. And I’m talkin’ about the System QB here. Sometimes, there’s a man, well, he’s the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that’s the System QB, in Los Angeles. And even if he’s a talented man - and the System QB was most certainly that. Quite possibly the most talented dude in Los Angeles County, which would place him high in the runnin’ for most talented worldwide. But sometimes there’s a man, sometimes, there’s a man. Aw. I lost my train of thought here. But... aw, hell. I’ve done introduced him enough.

The Los Angeles Rams have a star quarterback in Jared Goff — a guy that can win games with his talent. He’s not a system QB, he’s not bust, he’s the dude we’ve been looking for at QB. JG16 is an unflappable leader that may seem unconventional in terms of starting NFL QBs, but he’s perfect for the LA Rams.

Goff is a California bro, for sure. But you know what? He’s our California bro.

In case you’re not familiar with his background, Jared grew up in Novato, California as a San Francisco 49ers fan. His father, Jerry Goff, played Major League Baseball. He drinks Coors Light and loves the movie “Malibu’s Most Wanted.” In short, Jared Goff has lived a pretty sweet life, save for getting his ass handed to him during the seven games he played his rookie season.

The LA Rams are a Super Bowl-caliber team that seems to live on the fringes of respectability. Maybe it’s because the recently relocated LA Rams have a smaller fanbase. Even with the potent talent on the 53-man roster, many NFL writers are expecting a decline and don’t even bother to rank Jared Goff as a top 10 quarterback.

For a quarterback that ranked 4th in yards and tied for 6th in touchdowns last season, QB Jared Goff still seems like he’s being judged by his rookie year and not his current play.

The “overrated” criticisms surrounding Jared Goff have been raised many times. Some argue that Goff wasn’t worth the #1 overall pick when Carson Wentz was available and then when he’s playing, Goff relies too heavily on Rams Head Coach Sean McVay’s coaching and his throws are inaccurate when he’s under pressure.

Is it the system and not the player? Could a guy like QB Blake Bortles step in and thrive under the coaching just like Goff?

No. Nope. Not a chance.

Jared Goff is the dude at QB. And he’s the dude because he’s a great fit.

In regards to accuracy, this is a subject where Jared Goff continues to improve. Goff completed just 54.6% of his passes as a rookie and improved to 62.1% in his first year under Coach Sean McVay. Last season, Goff moved his completion percentage stat to 64.9%.

Pro Football Focus has a next-gen stat that analyzes the depth of each throw and compares it to the expected completion percentage. Goff was 9th in 2018 with a +3.3 difference of completion percentage and expected completion percentage. By comparison, QB Andrew Luck was +3.4.

Does Goff need to improve his accuracy given the amount of money that he’s due to make in the upcoming seasons? Absolutely. And he IS improving each season and this could very well be his true breakout year.

At the end of last season, namely in the games against the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, a strategy to foil the offensive scheme for the LA Rams was successful and derailed Goff’s momentum that peaked in the MNF game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

Goff’s pedestrian numbers at the tail end of the season could very well be scheme related (as well as RB Todd Gurley disappearing from the spotlight) and McVay has surely spent his offseason developing a proactive response to this issue.

For the upcoming 2019 season, we will see a new Jared Goff. He’s bulked up and come October, he will turn 25 years-young. The kid is turning into a man and he’s getting better every day.

Jared Goff has shown time and time again that he has the pocket presence to adjust under pressure. Even when his throw isn’t perfect, he gives his excellent receivers a chance to make the catch.

Jared Goff’s ability to stay in his spot until the defender is at the height of his momentum is an underrated element to his game. Goff will often move around in the pocket and then reset his feet when facing interior pressure. It may not be graceful, but it works.

Roster Battle

Bortles, please.

Expectations

Jared Goff can elevate his game to the elite level if he can see the field better this season. Has the game slowed down for young Jared? Will his accuracy improve once again?

If good fortune rolls in the direction of Goff and company, he could easily win the season MVP award and then the Super Bowl. It could happen.

Chances of making the roster (10/10)

I will bet my beloved LA Rams chip clips on this one.

Jared Goff isn’t A system QB. He’s THE System QB. The dude in LA. The man, if you will. And that is definitely something to cheer about.