While his team struggled to do anything on offense on Monday night, number one overall pick Jared Goff stood on the sidelines. Goff did not suit up for the Rams‘ first game of the season and had a good view of how tough the NFL can be.
While Goff was inactive for Week 1, head coach Jeff Fisher has said that he expects Goff to suit up for Week 2. Still, it's his first time not getting a hands on experience.
According to Rams insider Myles Simmons, when asked about the last time he didn't start, Goff took a second to think before replying, “I've never not started.”
That sounds about right for the young quarterback; he's always been talented. Goff even started as a freshman at Cal.
So the weeks in the NFL will be twice the learning experience for Goff. He will be learning what it is like not to start and what it is like to be in the league.
Goff, talking more about not starting:
“My whole life, I’ve been the starter, so I’m used to taking those reps. But at the same time, through OTAs and through training camp, I’ve learned to take mental reps and watch Case and Sean, and see what they do well, and try to replicate that.”
One thing that Goff should not try to replicate is Case Keenum's play in the last game. Keenum went 17-of-35 for 130 yards and two interceptions. He was lucky to get the Rams offense past the 50-yard line. While Fisher is saying right now that Keenum is still the Rams starting quarterback, it is hard to see that lasting if he plays like that again. Goff is the future of the new Los Angeles team and the fans have every right to demand seeing him on the field.
While the Rams did not want to rush Goff, a season of poor play might force them to put him on the field. If it does not look like the Rams will get anywhere near the playoffs, then there is absoutely no reason to not play him. While rookie quarterbacks tend to struggle, playing time is how they learn. Goff is a quick learner and has the ability to deal with losing if it happens.
No matter what Goff has said, he will continue to practice hard. Goff is sure to be ready when his time comes.