The Rams selected quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Some have questioned the move because Carson Wentz, who was drafted by the Eagles with the second pick, was able to start right away. Also, Dallas rookie quarterback Dak Prescott inexplicably lasted until the 135th pick, in the fourth round.
The Rams contend their plan was to ease Goff into action. He’s set to make his fourth NFL start against the Falcons.
Goff has completed 51-of-95 passes for 509 yards and four touchdowns. He has three interceptions and a passer rating of 70.
“We see improvement,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “We waited intentionally until we felt that he had a chance to go out and be successful.”
The Rams have dropped seven of their past eight games, including all three of Goff’s starts.
“He had some good drives and big plays in New Orleans two weeks ago,” Fisher said. “This week we just couldn’t get started offensively. He made some plays. We had six drops. Three on third down. So you can’t fault him. On both of his interceptions, he was hit on one. The other one was a drop that was deflected.
“I’m pleased with where he is. I’m not pleased with where the team is overall, but we all know that Jared is going to be a special player in this league.”
The Falcons have a simple game plan for Goff.
“They try to keep it real simple for the quarterback,” defensive end Vic Beasley said. “We are going to try to slow that run game down and get Goff to throw us the ball a couple of times.”
