The Los Angeles Rams offense was nothing short of a disaster throughout the 2016 NFL season. While there were a number of reasons that factored into the team’s terrible outing, the offensive line was undoubtedly the biggest area of concern.
As a result, quarterback Jared Goff’s rookie season was spoiled by constant pressure the moment he took over in Week 11. According to Pro Football Focus, Goff was easily the most-pressured quarterback on third down last season.
Jared Goff faced an unsustainable amount of pressure on third downs last year pic.twitter.com/yyTEhe5cLk
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) July 10, 2017
As if being a rookie quarterback in the NFL was not hard enough, it is much more difficult when one is facing more pressure than any other quarterback in the league. The combination of questionable play-calling and mediocre output of the skill groups only added more fuel to the house fire that was the Rams offense.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has made some nice upgrades this offseason, particularly along the offensive line. The addition of three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth and nine-year veteran center John Sullivan help bring some much-needed stability to this group. The Rams have since cut ties with former second overall pick Greg Robinson and have made some other changes on the right side of the line.
If the Rams are to avoid another abysmal offensive season, they will need to capitalize on third downs by giving their young quarterback a more comfortable pocket. Not only will they be able to convert more opportunities into points, but it will also do wonders for Goff’s development this upcoming season.
