Ed "Pi Double i" HendersonWorldWide Rams
Jared Goff, the starting quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams named Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday after his excellent play against Minnesota Vikings last Thursday night. One day later, fans in Los Angeles woke up to the news that Goff named as the Offensive Player of the Month.
However, let's take a step back into the past for a short moment. Just two seasons ago, the Rams sold the house move up in the draft to select Goff as the number one overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. They were very confident that they've found their franchise quarterback of the future. However, after a horrific pre-season, the criticism begin from several analysts who would label Goff as a bust, and that the Rams made the absolute wrong choice in selecting Goff number one. The second game of the season, the Rams added fuel to the fire for the critics by announcing that Goff would be inactive in week one. It just so happens, that it was a Monday Night Football game against his hometown San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers destroyed the Rams in that nationally televised game as starting quarterback Case Keenum was annihilated throughout the game. The Rams started the season 0-2 but would win three straight games from there, but then the wheels fell off the losing six of the next seven games. Head coach Jeff Fisher, despite knowing Goff wasn't ready, went against his wishes and named Goff as the starter against the New Orleans Saints, considering it to be damage control. The next several weeks didn't fair positive for Goff and after a 42-14 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Fisher would be fired that week. In Goff's first start, he threw for three touchdowns and one interception in that game, but it appeared he was on the way to success. However, the Rams would lose the remainder of their five games making Jared Goff 0-6 in his career starts. The critics would come out in numbers against stating the fact, Goff was not the right choice. NFL analyst Chris Carter with Colin Herd, speaking on his show "The Herd" would publicly disparage the Rams about Goff play. Here is what Carter had to say: Chris Carter Remarks On Jared Goff
You tell me, where is Case Keenum the answer to anything — besides his family members? Hey that’s my brother, that’s my son, that’s it,” Carter said on The Herd. What is he the answer to? When you have Case Keenum on your roster, that means I have a second or third backup who’s got some experience. But I’m going to draft a kid from Cal with the No. 1 pick, I’m moving this franchise and he’s not going to play? Like they made a colossal mess-up. Just admit it. We all makes mistakes. I’ve stepped in more piles of doo-doo than most people. Then I clean my shoes off, change my shoes and get to steppin’. Try to avoid those." “The guys know he can’t play … they messed this pick up.”
Goff knew that his play was not up to the potential that he knew that he could play and aimed to get better. After the Rams allowed the 49ers to rally back in the fourth quarter to beat them was sickening for all. It was the Rams final home game, as 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick would run in the end zone converting a two-point conversion to beat the Rams 22-21.
In a press conference following the loss to the 49ers, Goff was very sympathetic to the Rams organization and the Ram fans. He was frank and had this say: “To all the fans, and everybody who came out today — we’re appreciative and understand where we are,” said Goff, who went 11 of 24 for 90 yards. “And we know they understand where we are. It’s just hard. It’s hard for all of them; it’s hard for all of us. But, I promise you guys it will get fixed. Everything in my heart and soul to get it all fixed.”
Moving forward to 2017, in his 15 starts, Goff bettered his starting record to 11-4 and help lead the Rams to the 2017 NFC West Divisional Title. Goff named as an alternate would eventually be selected to the NFC after Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz was not able to play with a season-ending knee injury.
The Rams ended up the season with an 11-5 record, playing and hosting their first playoff game since 2006. The Rams lost that playoff game to the Atlanta Falcons 26-13, but everyone saw how much better the team had become under Sean McVay's coaching. Now in 2018, Jared Goff's promises he made in 2016 has taken another turn for the great. He merely has played better then many would expect. He has led his team to a 4-0 perfect record, but that's not the significant part to his success. The statistics are off the chart right now; he's completed 97 of 134 passes, completing 72.4%. He's thrown for 1,406 yards, 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 127.3 quarterback rating. If Goff continues on this pace with these types of numbers, he will be in consideration as the 2018 NFL Player of the Year, an award many felt his teammate Todd Gurley snubbed from winning last season. So what are the so-called naysayers are saying about Goff now? Chris Carter had this to say on First Things First: The reason why they can do that and have that variance of who going to get the ball is because of Goff; he's the difference maker. It's not any of the free agent pickups; it's not Todd Gurley, it's not any of the wide receivers, because all of that would be good and we have other teams that have some of those things. But, if you don't have the trigger guy which they have in Jared Goff--- and I don't think people understand how bad he as a rookie.
At the start of the 2018 season, analysts were saying that Goff was nothing but a system quarterback after the Rams increased their record to 3-0. After beating the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, and the Vikings, McVay stated that that's not bad for a system quarterback. However, Carter had more to add to that in that same segment on First Thing First:
"His overall development as a quarterback people came in this season saying, man, this guy is a game manager. He is everything but a game manager! His ability to be able to throw the ball in tight seams build a very, the velocity on his throws and his accuracy where guys can catch the ball on the run, that is what I seen the difference in the game last night. Jared Goff is a big-time player last night on one of the biggest stages Thursday night football we're launching here on Fox. He was amazing! I think he had four touchdowns passes his rookie season and how many he had last night?"
To answer Carter's question, Goff threw five touchdowns that game with no interceptions. It's great to continue to see Goff silence his critics and them gravitating to his success. Goff was under a coaching administration that had no clue on how to utilize his talent.
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Goff is on a pace to potentially rewrite many of the Rams passing records if he continues on that path. He's on pace throw over 5,600 yards and 40 plus touchdowns. Right now the Rams are looking like they are having fun in a sandlot football game, and the offensive line is providing much time for him to make third and fourth reads. Many are speaking the Rams to go perfect this season with the way are playing, but with no healthy Goff, where will they be without him. However, not putting the cart before the horse, the Rams should focus on winning one game at a time and not listen to the likes of others. This team has the talent to go all the way as long as Goff is under the helm. Congratulations to Goff on winning both awards this week, and we hope his success continues to grow.
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Ed "Pi Double i" HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams have signed EDGE Rusher Ja'Von Rolland-Jones to the practice squad to fulfill the tenth slot. Earlier the Rams released DE Marcus Martin and LB Carlos Thompson from the IR list opening up an additional roster spot.
Rolland-Jones went undrafted from the 2018 NFL Draft but signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. He would not survive the cuts and been waiting for a call to resume his career. The former 2016 and 2017 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, was a four-year starter at Arkansas State. His senior season along, he recorded 56 tackles (19 tackles for loss), 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His junior season his numbers were just about identical with adding two extra tackles for losses and added one more tackle than his senior year. The six foot two and 253-pound Rolland-Jones have been considered undersized but is a very disruptive pass rusher. He has excellent strength and is built to play in a 3-4 scheme as a standup or down in a stance effectively. Rams placed linebacker Dominique Easley to the IR list yesterday, which they will shuffle to find his replacement. However, with the skills that Rolland-Jones posses, Wade Phillips will try to get him prepared and added to the active roster quickly. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is eligible to come off the PUP list next week, and indeed, the Rams will be happy to see him finally active to play. Ed "Pi Double i" HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams became the latest team to join the carousel of kickers. This afternoon the organization released kicker Sam Ficken, who was signed just two weeks ago. The Rams signed Cairo Santos the undrafted free agent of the 2014 NFL Draft to replace Ficken.
Ficken season came to an abrupt end after missing two easy field goals in his two games. Santos spent for seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, but a groin injury landed him on the IR. The Chiefs settled for releasing him in favor of Harrison Butker whom they signed from the Carolina Panthers practice squad. Santos would sign with both the New York Jets and Chicago Bears and would remain a free agent up to today. Santos has made 90-107 field goals which are roughly 84.1% for his career. Rams are optimistic that kicker Greg Zuerlein is healthy enough to kick on Sunday when the Rams meet the Seattle Seahawks. Santos is pretty much is an insurance player if Zuerlein is not good to go. The Rams staff lost confidence in young Ficken, who has an explosive leg but is very inaccurate with his kicks. The team also released linebacker Carlos Thompson from the IR and added Dominique Easley to the list. Ed “Pi Double i” HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams released kicker Sam Ficken as reported by Adam Schefter, reporter for ESPN. This doesn’t come by surprise as Ficken missed two makeable field goals in the two games he played.
In last Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings, Ficken was attempting a 48 yard field goal just before the half. The Vikings called a timeout, as he followed through with his attempt and missed it left. The very next approach, he pushed it wide right. He we was perfect with his point after attempts, but just can’t gain confidence if needed to win a game. Rams appear to be ready to sign kicker Cairo Santos in his place of Ficken. Coach Sean McVay announced at his press conference that Greg Zuerlein was close and may be ready to go on Sunday. However, just in case, they have Santos as an contingency plan. Ed "Pi Double i" HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams have signed DB Linden Stephens to the team practice squad. After promoting defensive back Dominique Hatfield to the active roster last week, and releasing Marcus Martin from the practice squad, Rams needed to add depth to the defensive backfield. Hatfield addition came after veteran starting cornerback Aqib Talib was designated to the IR with an ankle injury.
Stephens, the six-foot and 195 pounds defensive back went undrafted form the 2018 NFL Draft. He survived the New Orleans Saints cuts and was on their active roster. The Saints waived him on Friday and were optimistic he would clear waivers, and they could sign him to their practice squad. However, the Rams saw him during the preseason and were impressed enough to sign him their practice squad. Stephens played collegiately at the University of Cinncinnatti, as he was a two-year starter. He has excellent quickness ran a 4.42 in the 40, and have very active hands to defend against the pass. He is the son of the former New York Jets linebacker Mac Stephens. Ed "Pi Double i" HendersonWorldWide Rams The Los Angeles Rams announced today through a press conference by head Coach Sean McVay received surgery today on his same knee he torn his MCL with last season. McVay also mentioned that Easley more than likely will be heading to the IR.
Easley, drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has been decimated by injuries throughout his career. His rookie season he was placed on the IR because of a knee injury. In 2015, Easley ended his season on the IR with a second consecutive season. In 2016, the Patriots decided to release Easley in which many felt the Patriots have given up on him because of his history of knee injuries. However, Patriots released Easley due to some off-field issues which stemmed from a lawsuit in which he was negligent in failing to restrain his dog (pitbull). Easley, torn both of his ACL's while staring at the University of Florida. The Patriots selected him 29th overall in the draft as their new interior defensive lineman. The Rams signed Easley in 2016 to add more depth and another former first-round draft selection to their defense. On the defensive line, the Rams already had Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, and Michael Brockers up front, and at linebackers first rounders of Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron. Easley remained healthy the entire season playing in all 16-games recording 35 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. The 2017 season the Rams welcomed Easley back for the second season; however, he tore his ACL during training camp. Not letting yet another injury to his knee set him back, Rams resinge him to another contract this season. To prevent the constant pounding inside, the Rams converted him to linebacker as he played well at the new position. Easley didn't record any sacks, but he applied much pressure to the backfield to disrupt plays. Easley is the fourth Ram placed on the IR, as he joins Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas (week two), and Aqib Talib (week 4) to sum out the injuries. A minor setback with his injury will now have the Rams very young at the linebacker position. Matt Longacre may be the starter at that position as the Rams will have three rookies Trevon Young, John Franklin-Meyers and Justin Lawler to rotate. Rams did receive some good news today that Mark Barron is a potential go this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. They are optimistic to have rookie edge-rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo back from the pup-list by week seven to add even more depth to the defense. |
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