Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay is counting on quarterback Jared Goff’s mental toughness to vault him into a vastly more successful 2017
If hope exists for massive growth at the quarterback position in 2017, it lies in Jared Goff’s mental toughness. Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said Goff’s ability to handle adversity will be crucial in progressing as a quarterback.
McVay talked about Goff during a news conference earlier this week, of which TheRams.com posted a transcript:
"“The thing that I really like is, when I got a chance to interview for the job, you talk to him about how he processed last year. Clearly, it didn’t go the way that we wanted it to go, but I sensed a guy that was motivated in the right ways. He didn’t lose any of his confidence, but I think it was something that has driven him to work harder moving into this year, motivated for the right reasons. I think that’s what you want from your quarterback. I’ve been impressed, like I was just saying, with his mental toughness and I think that’s going to serve him well for a long time to come.”"
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McVay understands that he’s not yet expecting a Tom Brady-like transformation from Goff. A true evaluation of the second-year QB starts in Sunday’s opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Also from the presser:
"“Certainly this game on Sunday will offer a great opportunity for us to see if what we feel like the confidence that we have in him and that we expect to see,” McVay added. “Looking forward to seeing him deliver and we have a lot of confidence in Jared that he’ll do that.”"
The Rams offseason has focused on ensuring the 2016 draft No. 1 overall pick has every opportunity to meet expectations. The Rams hired McVay for his ability to develop quarterbacks. They signed left tackle free agent Andrew Whitworth. L.A. also added free-agent center John Sullivan.
Los Angeles’ draft produced tight end Gerald Everett, and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. They traded for Buffalo Bills deep-threat wide receiver Sammy Watkins. They signed Bulls free-agent possession WR Robert Woods.
The key for Rams — and Rams fans — in terms of Goff is patience. Goff’s evaluation will go on all season. He may develop bad habits if he tries to take any short cuts. And the Rams have invested too much in him to rush to judgment on him.
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The team still should experience several ups and downs in 2017. Goff’s mental toughness may keep himself and the franchise moving in a positive direction.