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It’s undeniable that quarterback Sean Mannion has been overlooked on the Los Angeles Rams roster. The Rams’ starting quarterback debate has consisted of Case Keenum and rookie Jared Goff. But Mannion likely created enough buzz to enter himself into the equation.
It’s unknown if head coach Jeff Fisher felt that Mannion was ready this season or completely overlooked him, but it’s clear that Mannion can compete. Some credit has to go to quarterback coach Chris Weinke for preparing all three quarterbacks. Last year’s preseason games didn’t go well for Mannion, but it’s obvious he has put in some work and looks much sharper.
I do realize that it was only the first preseason game, and that Mannion was facing the lower-tiered defense of the Dallas Cowboys. That said, there is something to be said about how poised, comfortable and confident Mannion looked in the pocket. The only real way we can tell if Mannion is truly ready is if he starts one game this preseason.
I appreciate the approach Fisher has taken with this quarterback battle having Keenum start the first game and Goff start against the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Goff struggled against the Cowboys, but it could have been the nerves of playing in such a large crowd. It’s likely that he hasn’t played in front of a crowd of 89,140 fans. Fisher should continue with this pattern and start Mannion Week 3 of the preseason when they travel to Denver to face the Broncos, especially if he performs well against the Chiefs.
The coaching staff should be able to get a better read of Goff after this week. Theoretically, if Fisher does start Mannion against the Broncos and pending on his performance as a starter, the Rams could evaluate each quarterback and start the player they feel is the best option in the last preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
In reality, the Rams know exactly what they have Keenum. Admittedly, Keenum would be the safest choice of the three quarterbacks. He will provide the offense with short-mid range passes and won’t force a pass often. He appears to be the better leader at the moment, which is likely appreciated by the offense.
While it’s still too early to tell, I think the odds of Goff starting are slim at the moment. It’s clear he needs to work on a few things, but he definitely has shown potential. We will get a better feel after this week. Also, just because he doesn’t get the start at the beginning of the season doesn’t mean he can’t start later down the line.
It would be a mistake to continue to leave Mannion out of the equation. The former Oregon State standout was drafted for a reason, and I think he should get a fair shot. He has a good arm, decent mobility and seemed poised for a player entering his second year. It couldn’t hurt to try, and the reality is that he has a much more of an upside than Keenum. If all else fails, the Rams could just take the safe route and go with Keenum. Either way, this is going to be a more intense position battle than initially thought.
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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It’s undeniable that quarterback Sean Mannion has been overlooked on the Los Angeles Rams roster. The Rams’ starting quarterback debate has consisted of Case Keenum and rookie Jared Goff. But Mannion likely created enough buzz to enter himself into the equation.
It’s unknown if head coach Jeff Fisher felt that Mannion was ready this season or completely overlooked him, but it’s clear that Mannion can compete. Some credit has to go to quarterback coach Chris Weinke for preparing all three quarterbacks. Last year’s preseason games didn’t go well for Mannion, but it’s obvious he has put in some work and looks much sharper.
I do realize that it was only the first preseason game, and that Mannion was facing the lower-tiered defense of the Dallas Cowboys. That said, there is something to be said about how poised, comfortable and confident Mannion looked in the pocket. The only real way we can tell if Mannion is truly ready is if he starts one game this preseason.
I appreciate the approach Fisher has taken with this quarterback battle having Keenum start the first game and Goff start against the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Goff struggled against the Cowboys, but it could have been the nerves of playing in such a large crowd. It’s likely that he hasn’t played in front of a crowd of 89,140 fans. Fisher should continue with this pattern and start Mannion Week 3 of the preseason when they travel to Denver to face the Broncos, especially if he performs well against the Chiefs.
The coaching staff should be able to get a better read of Goff after this week. Theoretically, if Fisher does start Mannion against the Broncos and pending on his performance as a starter, the Rams could evaluate each quarterback and start the player they feel is the best option in the last preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
In reality, the Rams know exactly what they have Keenum. Admittedly, Keenum would be the safest choice of the three quarterbacks. He will provide the offense with short-mid range passes and won’t force a pass often. He appears to be the better leader at the moment, which is likely appreciated by the offense.
While it’s still too early to tell, I think the odds of Goff starting are slim at the moment. It’s clear he needs to work on a few things, but he definitely has shown potential. We will get a better feel after this week. Also, just because he doesn’t get the start at the beginning of the season doesn’t mean he can’t start later down the line.
It would be a mistake to continue to leave Mannion out of the equation. The former Oregon State standout was drafted for a reason, and I think he should get a fair shot. He has a good arm, decent mobility and seemed poised for a player entering his second year. It couldn’t hurt to try, and the reality is that he has a much more of an upside than Keenum. If all else fails, the Rams could just take the safe route and go with Keenum. Either way, this is going to be a more intense position battle than initially thought.
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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