Dolphins’ potential, Jared Goff shows up, Steelers remains dangerous

Jared Goff showcases skills

The Saints defense is better than a year ago without question and has gotten a recent boost with a now-healthy Sheldon Rankins, but it isn’t the most difficult of tests. Still, Jared Goff was clearly a more comfortable and effective player in his second start in a difficult place to play. Goff’s first-ever touchdown pass demonstrated the ball placement and touch on a difficult throw that you want to see from a first-overall pick.

Goff was impressive at the end of the first half with little time on the clock moving Los Angeles down the field and finishing the drive with another nice touchdown throw to Lance Kendricks in a composed manner. Goff was under pressure much of the day. He did lose a fumble on a sack that he held the ball too long, forced a pass into double coverage that resulted in an interception and wasn’t as effective in the second half, but targeted eight different receivers and handled the offense, particularly at the line of scrimmage, much better from a week ago.

Clearly, Goff and his undermanned offensive supporting cast (getting little from Todd Gurley) couldn’t keep up with Drew Brees at home. The rookie quarterback took a nice stride forward in this second career start and might be smart to pattern his game after New Orleans’ future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Lastly and this seems so long ago now, here are a couple quick thoughts from the Thanksgiving slate of games…