The Los Angeles Rams could not have planned a better way to begin the 2017-18 NFL season. Despite squaring off against the lackluster Indianapolis Colts, the Rams looked sharp in all facets of the game — especially offense.
Second-year quarterback Jared Goff showed plenty of promise in the Rams 46-9 blowout victory. Not only was he able to convert his easy opportunities, but Goff was among the league’s best in the face of pressure, according to Pro Football Focus:
Pressure couldn't stop these quarterbacks. pic.twitter.com/pwnRwem5nD
— PFF (@PFF) September 11, 2017
Goff finished 21 of 29 for a career-high 306 yards and a touchdown. His transition was seemingly night and day compared to last season where he was abysmal under pressure. One has to assume it is thanks in large part to new head coach Sean McVay.
There was plenty of speculation regarding the former No. 1 overall pick heading into the season. While he was surrounded by a lackluster supporting cast, Goff showed little reason to believe he could be a franchise quarterback under the Jeff Fisher regime.
However, Los Angeles enjoyed a Goff-esque offseason with the addition of left tackle Andrew Whitworth and a revamped receiving corps. Speaking of which, Goff has already seemed to develop a healthy rapport with rookie wideout Cooper Kupp, who paced all receivers with 76 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Todd Gurley, Sammy Watkins, and Robert Woods all recorded over 50 yards on the day as well.
