Jeff Fisher announced today that number one overall pick Jared Goff will make his first career start this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
The Los Angeles Rams traded up in the 2016 NFL Draft to select the rookie from California first overall. Goff went 22 of 49 for 232 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has yet to take a snap this season.
Goff’s lackluster preseason performance led Jeff Fisher to back Case Keenum as his starting quarterback for the 2016 season, a move that has frustrated fans who want to see their franchise quarterback in action. Fisher continued to stand by his decision despite middling play from Keenum and constantly reiterated that Keenum was not the problem with the offense. In his 9 games as the starter, Keenum threw 9 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, fumbled five times, and ranks dead last in QBR among eligible quarterbacks.
Jared Goff will provide a spark to an offense and fan base that desperately needs it. The Rams have scored one or fewer touchdowns in six of their nine games this season. They rank 31st in the NFL in total offense. While the offense has talented players such as Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin, neither of them have been able to be consistently productive this season. A change at quarterback may be exactly what this offense needs to turn their season around. It can’t get much worse.
The Los Angeles Rams host the Miami Dolphins this Sunday in Goff’s debut. The Dolphins have won four straight games and allow the ninth fewest passing yards per game in the NFL this season.
Steve Rebeiro is a staff writer and podcast host for Rams Talk. He graduated from Marquette University in 2016. For more of his opinions, follow him on Twitter here.
