Fansided

Los Angeles Rams: 5 burning questions in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams greets quarterback Sean Mannion #14 of the Los Angeles Rams throws the football during pre game warms up against San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams greets quarterback Sean Mannion #14 of the Los Angeles Rams throws the football during pre game warms up against San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

1. Can Jared Goff take another step forward?

The progress Goff made from his rookie to sophomore season was nothing short of remarkable. During his first season he frequently looked like he was headed towards being a historic draft bust. In 2017, he suddenly turned into a Pro Bowl signal caller.

The question now becomes whether or not Goff has another gear. He put up great numbers last year, but he was propped up McVay’s scheme and Gurley’s ability to run the football. This year, opposing defenses are going to work hard to make Goff beat him outside his comfort zone.

The real key for Goff will be to see if he can produce big plays without the benefit of play action. With an entire offseason to prepare to work against him, defensive coordinators are going to catch on to McVay’s play calling strategies. Almost all of Goff’s big plays last season came after faking a hand-off to Gurley.

Next: Rams need to pay Donald the money he deserves

Opposing defenses will also work to keep Goff in the pocket in 2018. If he can stand inside and deliver strikes to his talented receivers, he might be able to take another step forward. If not, his performance might regress to the mean. Which way Goff goes could ultimately determine whether or not the Rams can reach their full potential.

Home/Los Angeles Rams