Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff vows to do better after loss and criticism

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff appears to be picking up on the rare public criticism coach Sean McVay delivered after a Week 12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

“If he was lying I would feel different about it – he’s absolutely right,” Goff said after practice Wednesday. “I’m a big boy, I can handle it.”

Immediately after a disappointing 23-20 loss to Rams rival NFC West, McVay said bluntly: “Our quarterback needs to take better care of the football.”

A day later, McVay admitted that his decision to call Goff publicly – a departure from his typical decision to take all blame – “was a little different,” but the coach added his QB had “to broad shoulders to be able to handle it. “

“We have a great relationship and I’m responsible for myself,” said Goff, who is in his fourth season with McVay.

Goff was 19 of 31 for 198 yards against the 49ers, who beat the Rams for the fourth consecutive time. He’s also had three turnovers, including two interceptions – one of which was returned 27 yards for a touchdown – and a lost fumble.

“I have to be better than that, I have to take care of the football, and he’s absolutely right, and I will,” said Goff, who has four more seasons on a contract extension that guarantees $ 110 million. . “I have been doing this for most of my football career and will continue to take care of football better.”

Goff added that the disappointment of the loss, the Rams’ first at SoFi Stadium, lingered long after the game.

“For the next 24 hours I wasn’t in a happy place, for sure, I was really disappointed in myself,” said Goff. “But you’re moving on.”

The Rams are 7-4 and remain in the race to win NFC West as they prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals 6-5 on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. The Rams are 6-0 against the Cardinals since McVay took over in 2017.

This season, Goff completed 67.2% of his passes (15th in the NFL) and had 16 touchdowns (17th). Goff also lost 14 turnovers (10 interceptions, four fumbles), which ties him to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​for the second-highest number in the NFL. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has lost 19 turnovers, the most in the league.

Goff on Wednesday promised to eliminate his turnover in the future.

“I’ve always been confident, I’ve been able to overcome mistakes, but at the same time, I don’t want to sit here and say I have to take better care of the ball,” said Goff. “I’ll just be smarter with it, I’ll make better decisions.”