As the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the pressure for Jared Goff to become the franchise quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams is immense. The Rams traded up to select Goff and even though he probably won’t start at the outset of the season, it’s only a matter of time before he is under center.
That is the exact opposite situation that Tom Brady underwent. As a late 6th-round pick drafted to a team that had a franchise quarterback already in place, there were no expectations on Brady at all. Fast forward 16 years and many consider Brady the greatest QB of all-time.
These days, Brady is someone that new quarterbacks grew up watching, hence why it should come as no surprise that Goff is looking forward to being able to play Brady more than any other quarterback (as transcribed by Turf Show Times):
“I think someone asked me this a long time ago, it’s (Tom) Brady. That would be cool to play them in New England. Obviously, grew up watching him and Peyton (Manning) battle for years. Getting a chance to play him and meet him will be great.”
Goff and Brady are similar in their physical traits, though it is Brady’s mental attributes that took him to the level that he enjoys now. Rams fans can only hope Goff can one day come close to Brady and his four Super Bowl wins.
The Rams do visit New England in Week 13 on December 4. Brady will definitely be back from his four-game suspension, but whether or not Goff will be under center for the Rams remains to be seen.
Veteran Case Keenum is in line to start the season opener and his performance under center, as well as Goff’s development, will decide whether Goff will be starting once that game arrives.
