Although Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff can the solace in the fact that his offensive line was kept intact this offseason, the same cannot be said about his other personnel.
The Rams released running back Todd Gurley before trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks in an effort to shore up some much-needed cap space. There is now plenty of speculation regarding the identity on offense heading into the 2020 NFL season.
After all, Gurley had long served as the focal point of the offense while Cooks emerged as the No. 1 wideout in the passing game. Regardless, Goff plans on proceeding with business as usual.
According to Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, Goff feels that the onus will still ultimately fall on him to lead the offense:
“I think there’s no label to put on anything, whose team it is or who’s it on more or not more,” Goff said. “It’s always been on me. It’s always been on the quarterback. That’s never changed since I’ve come in the league and it’s always been up to me to make things happen.”
There is certainly plenty of truth to Goff’s comments given what comes with being labeled as a franchise quarterback in today’s NFL. While Gurley may have been the workhorse and former face of the franchise, the efforts made by the Rams are made with his improvement under center in mind.
Los Angeles essentially opted to go for a more pass-heavy approach by relying on Goff’s arm during the 2019 campaign as he threw for career-highs in completions (394), attempts (626), and interceptions (16). Unfortunately, this approach led to a disappointing drop-off on offense as he struggled to find his footing behind a struggling offensive line and a nonexistent rushing game.
Goff will no longer have the luxury of shouldering the blame of their modest production with Gurley, nor will there be a surplus of proven talent in his receiving corps now that Cooks is gone. The fact that the Rams offense is not bringing the same amount of firepower to the table that they have had in year’s past is hardly an encouraging sign for a potential resurgence next season.
Of course, Goff can alleviate these concerns if he is able to get back on track to his former Pro Bowl self and potentially find a way to kick things up a notch. He seems to be all too aware that any chance of a spark on offense will need to begin with him under center.
