The Los Angeles Rams suffered yet another disappointing defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 12.
The 23-20 loss was plagued by lackluster play under center from Jared Goff, who completed 19 of 31 passes for 198 yards and committed three of the team’s four turnovers.
Head coach Sean McVay wasted no time in calling out his quarterback’s inability to take care of the ball during his postgame conference. It is safe to say that this ws a different approach for McVay since he has become accustomed to taking accountability for the losses.
Despite the tough love, McVay is confident Goff is capable of responding in a positive manner, per ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:
“I wouldn’t say things if I didn’t know there was broad shoulders to be able to handle it,” McVay said, adding, “maybe while it was a little bit different approach, I think it was something that was honest that I know he’s capable of correcting.
“If anything, I think it’s a reflection of the confidence I have, because I can be demanding of him in some of those settings, whether it be publicly or privately with our team.”
McVay added that he never broached the prospect of benching Goff versus the 49ers:
“If I thought it was going to be the best thing to just take a deep breath and step away, then I’d say maybe, but not in either of those situations because both of those reflected kind of having an opportunity where there was enough plays made to get back in it,” McVay said. “So [Sunday], that was never part of the consideration, nor was it really for Miami.”
Goff’s performance against San Francisco was akin to the one he put up versus the Miami Dolphins when he had four turnovers in the first half of the 28-17 loss to the Dolphins. McVay’s comments indicate that neither poor showing was enough for him to consider putting in his backup quarterback John Wolford.
Although the loss to the 49ers was a disappointing setback, it seems McVay is not ready to press the panic button just yet by making a switch under center. At 7-4, the Rams still have more than enough time to get back on track heading into the final stretch of the 2020 NFL season.
Goff will have a chance to redeem himself in a favorable matchup with the Arizona Cardinals and their porous defense in Week 13. Otherwise, there will only be further talk of his uncertain status as the future, franchise quarterback.
