Jared Goff to face increased burden for Rams in ’19

The Los Angeles Rams need Jared Goff more than ever before. It could be the moment that makes him incredibly rich after this season. It could also break him.

Last year, the Rams went 13-3 in the regular season, en route to winning the NFC West with ease. They then dispatched the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints (with some help from the officials) before scoring a measly three points in their Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots.

Enter 2019. Much of the same offense is back, but with a twist. Superstar running back Todd Gurley has an arthritic knee that may never allow him to be the same player. With Gurley limited in both snaps and potentially his effectiveness, Goff has to go from caretaker to carver.

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The good news? Los Angeles has a ton of weapons on the outside. Third-year receiver Cooper Kupp is returning from a torn ACL and should be back in plenty of time for Week 1. Alongside Kupp are Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks, two of the better players at their position. The offensive line is without guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan, but the unit should be good behind position coach Aaron Kromer.

Now then, Goff. What can he do if Gurley can’t be the same player, or anywhere close, to what he was for most of 2018? Before he was injured in December, there was talk that Gurley could push Patrick Mahomes and Drew Brees to win the NFL MVP award. Then, Gurley missed the two games of the season, before barely playing in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl.

If the Rams are going to repeat their success of a year ago and this time cap it off, Goff will have to elevate. Los Angeles must throw to set up the run and not the other way around, with head coach Sean McVay likely having to become even more aggressive by increasingly throwing on early downs.

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If Goff can become an improved version of an already terrific quarterback, he only increases his value. The former No. 1 pick has two years left on his rookie deal, set to expire after the 2020 campaign. Put forth a tremendous year with Gurley not quite the same player, and general manager Les Snead will have a tough argument when trying to save a few million dollars.

The pressure is on for Jared Goff, but so is the golden opportunity.