The Los Angeles Rams have now seemingly hit their low point in the 2016-17 NFL season after an embarrassing 49-21 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 12.
While the end result was far from even, the game was relatively close in the first half as the Rams enjoyed their most productive half of football this season, spearheaded by rookie quarterback Jared Goff’s three touchdowns.
However, the script would change completely as the Rams would then get shutout in the second half en route to a blowout in the Superdome. Despite Goff’s strong statistical performance, his overall outing did not sit well according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN:
“I don’t think there are any moral victories. I obviously felt more comfortable in my second game; just my experience. I felt better out there. I was able to see it a lot better and was able to slow it down a little bit. But at the same time, I want to win.”
Goff got off to a quick start following the sack and forced fumble by Aaron Donald with a 24-yard dime to Tavon Austin. He then found Kenny Britt and Lance Kendricks in the second quarter to slim the Saints’ lead before halftime.
As good as the rookie was in the first half, he was every bit as terrible in the second half as he would only manage to get up 47 yards through the air. He finished the game 20-of-32 for 214 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Goff will face a greater challenge in Week 13 in the New England Patriots pass defense.
