During John Fassel’s first game as interim head coach, the Los Angeles Rams suffered a 24-3 loss against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. The Rams kept the contest close at first, but the Seahawks, at home, were able to pull away and create a comfortable lead.
Fassel, who only had three days to prepare for his first contest, was facing some difficult circumstances. Playing on the road, with the 12th man creating a hostile environment, had his offense in an unfavorable situation.
Quarterback Jared Goff, in his fourth career game, surpassed another stepping-stone in his transition to a starting quarterback. During the Thursday night telecast, the commentators praised Goff for rising to the challenge, as something every young quarterback needs to play through.
Goff finished the game completing 13 of 25 passes, for 135 passing yards. While Goff failed to record a touchdown, he also did not record a turnover. After the game, Fassel had high praise for his rookie quarterback and what he has done thus far, via TheRams.com:
“What I’ve learned about Jared really these past couple of days when I maybe spend a little more time learning the quarterback position is that he is a really tough kid,” Fassel said. “He is a really tough kid and that’ll take him a long way.”
Although Goff demonstrated a certain toughness, he did also show some rookie poise during a play later in the game. Upon scrambling for a first down in the red zone, Goff seemed to think he had a clear line towards the end zone.
However, Richard Sherman had another idea in mind and hit him with a rough tackle towards the sideline. During the post game press conference, Fassel wished the quarterback had stepped out of bounds, which will come with experience as Goff continues progressing.
The Rams have now lost eight of their last nine games, spiraling downward towards the end of the regular season. While Fassel understood the frustration the players are having, he also encouraged a strong finish to the regular season.
This transition period for the Rams is also an audition for the roster. Certain players now have the ability to make an impression heading into the offseason, as the Rams conduct their head coaching search.
When Fassel was asked how the players should deal with the constant losses, Fassel stated a proper response towards finding a solution:
“It’s discouraging, and the players obviously are frustrated that some of the same things keep happening, so probably really boring answer is go back and look at the film and figure out a way to make it better,” Fassel stated.
The final two games of the regular season for Fassel and the Rams are slated at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
With a week and a half to prepare for their next contest, Fassel, Goff and the Rams now have ample time to set a proper game plan heading into the offseason.
