In their homecoming a week ago, the Los Angeles Rams enjoyed a come-from-behind win against the Dallas Cowboys, and they're hoping to stay perfect in the City of Angels when they host the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday night. But although the Rams were victorious in their first preseason game, No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff's lackluster performance was the biggest headline of the day.
Chiefs vs. Rams 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NFL preseason online
No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff looks to improve off a lackluster preseason debut.
Goff only went 4-of-9 for 38 yards before getting removed with a shoulder injury, and was overshadowed by relatively anonymous Dallas Cowboys rookie backup Dak Prescott. Though it seemed concerning at the time, Goff’s shoulder injury didn’t wind up being serious. He was back at practice this week, and head coach Jeff Fisher said the rookie was continuing to get better.
“Every day there’s something that he does better and different,” Fisher said on Wednesday, adding that Goff would gain some valuable experience against the Chiefs.
“Right now — as we go into the discussions — I’d like to get Jared a shot with the ones in this game,” Fisher said. Whether that’s a series or two series — I don’t know. We’ll try to be more specific for you.”
Playing behind Case Keenum, Goff's NFL career didn't get off to the finest start a week ago. When he dropped back for his second pass, he was drilled by a pass rusher and threw an interception.
Goff should have his hands full with the Chiefs secondary Saturday, especially considering Marcus Peters seems like he's picked up right where he left off. The 2015 first-round pick intercepted eight passes during his rookie season and snagged one last week against Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of that play was Peters’ awareness. He made sure to drag two feet so he stayed in bounds while falling out of the end zone. Few cornerbacks possess that kind of savvy and skill.
Another highlight from the Chiefs' opener was kicker Cairo Santos nailing a 58-yard field goal. Head coach Andy Reid may be tempted to see if he can hit from 60 before the preseason is out.
New backup quarterback Nick Foles didn't produce many memorable moments in his Chiefs debut, but he's looking to turn that around, especially against the team that cut him last month. He reportedly enjoyed a productive week of practice, and could wind up taking a healthy number of snaps under center if Alex Smith's playing time is limited again.
One player who likely won't be on the field for the Chiefs this preseason is Jamaal Charles, but he did return to the practice field this week. Charles, 29, was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL last October. Reid already confirmed that Charles would sit out against the Rams.
While the Chiefs will be sorting out their depth chart, the Rams are hoping to see a better effort from Goff. There’s a clear buzz around the team -- nearly 90,000 fans attended the preseason opener last week -- but Los Angeles is a fickle town. If the Rams appear to be barreling toward another losing season with little hope for the future, fans may jump ship to see a better show.
For every other team in the league, meaningful football won’t be played for another three weeks. But for the Rams, every game this preseason matters. It’s difficult to come back from a poor first impression.
How to Watch
When: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; Los Angeles, Calif.
TV: NFL Network (joined live in progress); CBS 5 Kansas City, CBS 2 Los Angeles
Announcers: Carter Blackburn, Trent Green (Kansas City), Andrew Siciliano, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk (Los Angeles)
Online: NFL Game Pass
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