Things looked good for the Los Angeles Rams at the outset of their preseason finale as Jared Goff got the start and led the team down the field for a touchdown on the game’s opening possession. Unfortunately things went downhill from there for both Goff and the team.
After going up 7-0 early the Rams wound up down 13-7 at halftime and 27-10 early in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling to the Minnesota Vikings 27-25 in their preseason finale. Goff played the entire first half, going 6-16 for 67 yards with one touchdown, but also had an interception and a fumble.
Goff looked good early, completing three of four passes on the team’s first drive including a one yard pass to Kenny Britt for the opening score. After that, however, the next four Rams drives ended with a punt with three of those being three-and-outs.
Goff followed that up by fumbling a shotgun snap at his own nine yard line on the next drive. After a Vikings field goal, Goff’s first pass on the next drive was tipped at the line and intercepted by Toby Johnson.
After the game, head coach Jeff Fisher stressed the progress that Goff has made throughout training camp, via ESPN.com:
“He’s made significant progress. He’s comfortable. He understands things. He’s progressed,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said, preaching patience for Goff: “I think it’s going to take a bit more time.”
Sean Mannion, who Fisher seems to be leaning towards as the team’s backup at quarterback, led a couple of late scoring drives to bring the Rams within striking distance, but it was too little, too late. Mannion finished 15-23 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Undrafted rookie running back Aaron Green also had a solid outing with 66 yards on 13 carries and a late touchdown run.
The Rams finished the preseason at 2-2 and now everyone must wait until Saturday to find out who will make the final 53 man roster.
The Rams will then turn their attention to the season opener, Monday night September 12 in San Francisco against the 49ers.
