Rams Fans United - Los Angeles Rams Fan Discussion Forum

What’s been the biggest difference between Goff and Stafford?
Jourdan Rodrigue, Rams beat writer: It's how much the multiplicity has increased with Stafford pre- and post-snap. They are running a wider variety of plays and doing so out of the shotgun, from under center, with play-action (but importantly without being dependent on play-action to attain explosive plays) and especially in the dropback passing game.

They are activating all five eligible receivers at a higher rate than ever before, because they trust Stafford's arm ability to find anybody he needs, and they trust his mind to solve any problems that may arise. McVay said, tellingly, this week: "If I'm wrong, he still has a chance of making it right."

How much realistic hope is there for Goff, Lions offense to improve?
Chris Burke, Lions beat writer: The Lions seem to think there's still potential, especially if they can get into a cleaner rhythm early in games — Goff has not taken a single snap with a lead this season. The injuries to tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow robbed Detroit of what could have been a borderline dominant offensive line, so the ceiling is fairly low.

That said, in several games, the Lions have been able to move until they reach the red zone. If they can find any way to finish off drives with touchdowns, they could scare a few more opponents.

snackdaddy wrote:From this untrained eye, its seems like Stafford is more aggressive. More willing to throw downfield. If he makes a mistake he doesn't change what he does. He'll still attack the defense. He has less fear. Goff seemed to get tentative, afraid to make a mistake. And he still made mistakes.

The Rams feel bad about the way they kicked Jared Goff to the curb last spring. Sean McVay said it again this week as he and his 5-1 team get ready to face their old quarterback and the Lions.

Goff for sure had this date circled on his calendar — play along, I know people don’t use calendars anymore — but by now he has ripped the thing off the wall. The Lions are 0-6 and coach Dan Campbell thinks Goff is not biting enough kneecaps. It was obvious back when they traded Matthew Stafford for Goff and a bunch of draft picks, but Goff is taking the rap for 0-17 or 1-16.

And Campbell is not wrong (if finger-pointing can ever be right). The Lions have yet to play an offensive snap with a lead this season, and Goff has not played well.

One reason the Lions have been somewhat attractive as an underdog betting option (they are 3-3 against the spread) is because their offensive line gives Goff time to take shots down the field. And Goff usually doesn’t do it. Yes, his receivers are not very good, but Goff should have a nothing-to-lose mentality and the film shows they are open at times.

This week, Goff and the Lions are getting 15.5 points against the Rams. That’s like getting three free punches in at the start of a fight. It sounds too good to be true … and it is.

The Rams may feel badly about how their ex is doing and the whole breakup via text thing, but not bad enough where they won’t be laughing after picking him off three times Sunday.

The only thing worse than a tentative QB is one that is forcing things — Goff can’t win here, and maybe the Lions can’t either this season.

Elvis wrote:Detroit has covered a lot of games, nearly won a couple. They're a laughing stock at the moment but they've been competitive. I won't be surprised if they are on Sunday...

Elvis wrote:More good stuff from the Athletic:

Neither Jared Goff nor Matthew Stafford has had any interest in creating additional headlines this week, ahead of their first game against their respective former teams. Stafford spoke Wednesday of his appreciation for the fans of Detroit and the people within the Lions organization; Goff admitted there was some lingering emotion over his Rams split — L.A. coach Sean McVay all but packing Goff’s bags for him while pursuing Stafford — but added that, mostly, he’s excited to go visit his former home.

“I’ve got so many great memories and so many friendships and lifelong bonds and people that I’ll talk to forever and all of that,” Goff said. “I think the sourness is there still from how it ended, but there are so much more of good things that happened that make you appreciative for those times and appreciative that you’re able to experience them and be a big part of them.”

CanuckRightWinger wrote:Per former Lion player Joique Bell on some of the differences between Goff & Stafford:
click on Detroit Lions, then it's the eighth piece for Joique Bell's verbage