![NFL NFL](https://trangangolf.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/17174750/todd-gurley-jared-goff-1.jpg)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s bank account grew exponentially this offseason. In March, he collected a cool $21 million and more than half of his $134 million, four-year extension became fully guaranteed.
Now, as the Rams prepare for the 2020 season without star running back Todd Gurley II, questions remain on whether Goff’s production will grow exponentially, too.
For his past three-plus seasons as starter, Goff has had the All-Pro Gurley to rely on – whether it be as a dominant ball carrier or as decoy for defenses to focus on.
In 2017 and 2018, Gurley powered the offense to two NFC West titles and a trip to Super Bowl LIII. Last season, even as Gurley’s production declined, opponents were forced to account for him in the backfield.
Best of NFL Nation
• Steelers’ culture problem? • 5 plays define the Chiefs’ season • Stafford has Rams believing • How Hill’s injury impacts Dolphins • Ravens’ Madubuike on verge of record
Following the Rams’ decision to cut Gurley in March, Goff becomes the focal point of the offensive scheme, though Goff said it’s a role that has always aligned with his position.
“There’s no label to put on anything, whose team it is or whose it on more or not more,” said Goff, who turns 26 in October. “It’s always been on me, it’s always been on the quarterback.”
Rams coach Sean McVay said the onus to excel without Gurley falls on the entire offense.
“Anytime that you lose a great player, the guys are asked to step up,” McVay said. “I think it’s about our offense producing as a whole; our quarterback position is vital to our success, he’s got 10 other teammates around him that we’ll expect to be able to do their task at a high level.”
The Rams return nine of 11 starters from last season’s offense, which performed below expectations after it was among the NFL’s highest-scoring units in 2017 and 2018. Along with releasing Gurley, the Rams also traded speedy receiver Brandin Cooks, whom McVay often lauded for stretching a defense.
But, as the Rams completed a seven-week, virtual offseason program, Goff pointed to the unit’s continuity to help them rebound from a 9-7 finish and their first playoffs miss under McVay.
“We do have an advantage offensively with the same system, the same players and everything,” said Goff, who passed for 22 touchdowns but threw a career-high 16 interceptions last season.
The Rams return their entire starting offensive line, a group that underwent growing pains in 2019. They also return starting receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp and tight end Tyler Higbee, who emerged late last season as a go-to target.
In an effort to replace Gurley and Cooks, the Rams selected Florida State running back Cam Akers and Florida receiver Van Jefferson in the second round of the NFL draft.
![NFL](https://trangangolf.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/17174750/todd-gurley-jared-goff-1.jpg)
• Big questions » | Power Rankings » • Free agency: Tracker » | Grades » • Draft: All 255 picks » | Grades » • Fantasy: Cheat sheets » | Projections » • 2020 schedule » | More NFL coverage »
Last season, consistency was difficult to come by, as Goff and the offense struggled to develop an identity with less Gurley, more Goff and indecision about whether they were a run- or pass-first offense. Their play-action – Goff’s bread-and-butter in his first two seasons under McVay – suffered, as teams failed to bite on the Rams’ run game, which appeared to evaporate at different points in the season.
In a Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Goff attempted a career-high 68 passes, completing 45. In a Week 11 win over the Chicago Bears, he completed 11 of 18 pass attempts.
By the end of the season, the Rams discovered more success in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two receivers) than they had been experiencing in McVay’s often-used 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers).
Goff agrees with McVay: Consistency will be key as they attempt to rebound from a lackluster season. But Goff also said he’s freer to disagree with McVay than ever before.
“I feel like I’m able to have even more of an opinion than I’ve ever had, and it will continue to grow,” Goff said, “but at this point, me and Sean have been through so much together, we’ve seen so much together, where he can say something and I can disagree confidently, and likewise with him.”