The Los Angeles Rams had an expected shakeup on Tuesday, as head coach Jeff Fisher announced that No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft Jared Goff will take over duties as the starting quarterback. Goff was given ample time to prepare for a NFL-type workload and finally received the approval from the coaching staff and organization.
With the relocation to Los Angeles complete, the Rams have taken the persona of the city and all that it entails. The Hollywood actors love their sports, while athletes often love crossing the bridge over into other sports.
During his first practice as starting quarterback, Goff received a visit from Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson. Goff, who went to University of California, Berkley, got to play some catch with Pederson, who is a native of northern California.
Pederson often has expressed a fandom for any teams from northern California, while enjoying other sport teams such as the Golden State Warriors. He showed up to the practice facility with fellow teammate Micah Johnson, who is currently in the Minor Leagues, but has seen time at the Major League level.
The two Dodgers can be seen running routes, with Goff attempting to catch Pederson while running a route, via Dodgers Twitter:
.@yungjoc650 and @Micah_Johnson3 take their turns catching passes from @RamsNFL QB @JaredGoff16. #WeLoveLA pic.twitter.com/xeWs99Zpjs
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 16, 2016
Additonally, Michael Duarte of NBC LA got some video of Pederson and Johnson catching passes, except they didn’t have the comfortable of their baseball glove to catch these balls:
The Dodgers are coming off of a National League Championship Series loss to the Chicago Cubs, as it seems the Cubs were the team of destiny. After holding a 2-1 series lead, the Dodgers were unable to close the deal and lost in six games.
Goff certainly has a full plate entering his first NFL start, as the Rams take on the Miami Dolphins at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
Fisher stated that the game plan will not be altered because of the quarterback’s debut, but now the 22-year-old will experience the athletic and intelligence increase that comes with playing in the NFL.
Pop-star Britney Spears was also seen at practice on Tuesday, cheering on the Rams while with some friends and family.
Although many fans are expecting big things from Goff, the emergence of a running game should surely take the pressure off of the rookie quarterback.
The Rams, who have failed to score a touchdown in two of their victories this season, hope that Goff can help them produce points on the board against a formidable Dolphins defense.
