There is no doubt that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff struggled in his rookie year. Now, heading into his second season, Goff has more weight on his throwing arm to show more composure under center.
The Rams are hoping that Goff is their franchise quarterback and the long-term answers after a decade-long playoff drought. However, if Goff continues to struggle with his development with the Rams, they will turn to backup Sean Mannion midway through the 2017 NFL season according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report:
“While the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff has been pleased with the progress of Jared Goff this offseason, people within the organization are also extremely pleased with the work of backup quarterback Sean Mannion. The former third-round pick has improved in his quickness of reads and improved his footwork. One person who knows both players well said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams go to Mannion if Goff struggles during the regular season.”
Mannion was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft and only has played two games in two seasons. His last appearance was in the 2016 campaign in the 44-6 blowout loss on New Year’s Day against the Arizona Cardinals where he completed 3-of-6 passes for 19 yards and an interception.
The 22-year-old backup along with Goff are under new head coach Sean McVay’s system who is providing more weapons this season. In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Rams added Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, and Gerald Everett. In addition, the Rams made key free agent acquisitions with Robert Woods, John Sullivan, and Andrew Whitworth.
With the new season nearing, the Rams will focus mainly on Goff’s development in his second season. If Goff struggles during the season, the Rams do not have a problem of letting Mannion get an opportunity and have him calling the plays.
