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3 reasons why Jared Goff needs to start for the Rams

By Maher Ayoub

Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) on his sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Rams 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) on his sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Rams 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Rams can’t afford to waste anymore time with Todd Gurley

The Rams selected Todd Gurley with the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft, hoping he could be the running back who can put their offense over the top. The Rams ended up rolling the dice on the former Georgia Bulldog after he tore his ACL to end his college career. Even after selecting Tre Mason the year before, the Rams knew Gurley could be a difference maker in this league.

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After missing three games to start the season, Gurley picked up right where he left off in college. After the Rams eased him into the role, Gurley broke out soon thereafter. He showed elite vision and elusiveness even as a rookie, and finished his season with 1,106 yards and 10 TDs. Despite missing time early in the season, Gurley looked ready to handle the workload after a few games.

Coming into the season, the Rams were very optimistic about their offense. Part of that had to do with Gurley’s role as the lead carrier, and best offensive asset. Even though Gurley ended last season with less production on the field, his upside was through the roof. Part of the reason for his lack of production to end last season was the Rams’ poor quarterback play. Teams seemed committed to stopping Gurley, and making another Rams weapon beat them.

After Monday night’s loss against the 49ers, the trend from last season continued. San Francisco stacked the line of scrimmage and were determined to stop Gurley. That usually means that a team doesn’t respect the opposing quarterback enough, and essentially is challenging that quarterback to beat them. Keenum proved he isn’t that quarterback. With the ability to make teams pay with his arm and accuracy, Goff could open more holes for Gurley himself.

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