LOS ANGELES – Jared Goff stepped up into the pocket and unloaded a deep ball to Sammy Watkins, his best vertical threat. But Watkins stopped midway through his route, the ball sailing over his head with nobody in sight. That play encapsulated a weird Sunday afternoon for the Los Angeles Rams’ offense, because of the five turnovers that doomed them and because of a game plan that went away from their two best offensive players for long stretches.
Watkins was targeted only four times and finished with zero catches for the second time in his 42-game career, seven days after drawing only two targets against the Dallas Cowboys. Todd Gurley, who led the NFC in scrimmage yards and touchdowns through the first four weeks, received a season-low 16 touches and often found himself off the field during early downs.
“The flow of the game kind of dictates and determines whatever plays we feel like are going to work best,” Rams coach Sean McVay said after a 16-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. “Obviously, we know what a special player Todd is, but given some of the things that they were presenting, we felt like there were some other chances with some different things. But nothing that Todd wasn’t doing.”
In an interview with ESPN last week, Watkins admitted that two years ago he probably would have complained to the media about his lack of targets. He talked about how his mindset has changed, because his foot injury made him see things differently and because he understands that the Rams have a lot of weapons. But he also said, “We’re winning, so it’s not a bad thing. Now, if we lose, I might be upset.”
The Rams lost on Sunday, falling to 3-2, now tied with the Seahawks for first place in the NFC West. Afterward, Goff said getting Gurley and Watkins the ball is usually in the back of his mind.
“But by no means do I want to force them the ball,” Goff said. “Just continue to let them get open in the framework of the play and work the ball around.”
Two and a half weeks removed from putting up 106 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers, Watkins spent most of Sunday being hounded by four-time Pro Bowler Richard Sherman. On one deep shot, Watkins couldn’t get his arm extended on a pass that sailed beyond him. On another, he didn’t complete his route. He and Goff talked about it.
“He was a little bit confused on what we were doing,” Goff said. “But we’re good, and it’s nothing that can’t be fixed overnight. It’s not characteristic from him at all. I don’t expect that to happen.”
