Why Jared Goff and Carson Wentz Face Uphill Battle to Success

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an NFL team in possession of playoff dreams shall be in want of a franchise quarterback.

Even Jane Austen could have pointed out the painful truth that there are two kinds of teams in today’s NFL: those with a legitimate playmaker at quarterback—and a shot at being a playoff contender—and those without.

That’s why both the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles pulled their respective triggers on predraft trades to secure the top two selections in the 2016 draft. They each used their pick on a signal-caller they hope can be the difference-maker who can get them over the hump and into the playoff hunt on a regular basis.

Though both prospects certainly have the talent to be quality starters at the pro level, the concept of letting a highly drafted quarterback sit behind a veteran and learn the ropes has all but followed the split-back formation into near-extinction. There are experienced players at the position on both teams’ rosters, but Goff and Wentz will likely be expected to take the reins sooner than later.

If they’re to develop as quickly and successfully as their new teams need them to, Goff and Wentz will need to be surrounded by a quality supporting cast on both sides of the ball. Looking at their current rosters and future assets with which to build around them, these rookie quarterbacks appear to have rough seas ahead.

In L.A., Goff’s best friend will be running back Todd Gurley, last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Having a rare talent like Gurley in the backfield—who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball—will be a huge asset to a rookie quarterback.

But past that, it’s one giant question mark on offense, with a lack of star power and consistency along the offensive line and among their pass-catchers. The Rams still have a solid defense in place at all three levels, but that will only help so much if reliable receivers and blockers who will give Goff time to process the speed of NFL defenses …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com