The Rams are going to look a lot different when they run out of the tunnel at SoFi Stadium next season, and not just because they’ll be wearing new uniforms. The roster has undergone a number of changes on both sides of the ball, including the release of Todd Gurley and the trade of Brandin Cooks.
Those are the biggest differences on offense, and the ones that will be felt most by quarterback Jared Goff. Although he’s played games without Gurley and Cooks in the lineup, it will still be a shift for Goff, who has had Gurley as his running back for the last four years.
Furthermore, Goff will miss having two of his closest friends on the team. He commented on the moves Wednesday during a conference call with reporters.
Rams QB Jared Goff on their offseason moves: "It's always super tough to lose friends. Todd and Brandin and I are extremely close, and always will be."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) April 15, 2020
Goff added that he knows why the moves were made, saying “I understand there’s a business to the game.” That doesn’t make it any easier to watch Gurley and Cooks leave the team and play elsewhere in 2020.
With Gurley’s departure, some expect more pressure to fall on Goff. While it’s true to an extent – Gurley has the most touches in the NFL since being drafted in 2015 – Goff has already had a great deal of pressure on him as the quarterback.
Goff on whether there is more pressure on him with Gurley gone: "It's always been on me. It's always been on the quarterback."
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) April 15, 2020
Darrell Henderson Jr. and Josh Reynolds will have to step up with Gurley and Cooks no longer in the picture, both likely being elevated to starting roles. Goff said he’s “so comfortable” with Reynolds at wide receiver, having played with him when Kupp missed time in 2018.
As for Henderson, he can see him being the starter, but Malcolm Brown will factor in, too.
(2/2) on RBs…
Malcolm Brown: "He's always been a guy that's stepped in when he's needed to and contributed at a consistent level."
Darrell Henderson: "Fast, athletic, can catch extremely well. He's got the ability to be a top guy, (but) we're going to have to wait and see."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) April 15, 2020
The Rams offense could take a step back in 2020, but they do have the pieces in place to continue their strong play on that side of the ball. And as was the case in 2019, a lot of it will come down to the play of Goff.
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