Everyone has moments in their career where your boss is disappointed or decides you're not good enough for something. And those moments when you overcome them make you better.
So it's entirely possible that Goff was not good enough, and that he has busted his ass to bounce back from it. At least that's how I see it.
An objective account imo would be that the Rams' roster and McVay's offense weren't good enough in 2019 and 2020 to make a Super Bowl run. Once Gurley was hobbled the break out potential was gone. They still had winning records both years (9-7 and 10-6). Goff won a playoff game for them in Seattle with a broken thumb in 2021.
Right now Goff's last two years here are looking pretty damn good compared with the Rams since their 2021 championship.
It's true that Goff didn't handle the middle of the oline breaking down in front of him very well. The interior line (-Saffold, +Blythe) couldn't consistently protect Goff, a classic dropback qb who steps into his throws. Also true that McVay that wanted a QB with a quick delivery who could make off schedule plays under pressure--- because he thought his offense couldn't succeed without it.
In any event plainly McVay and Goff weren't on the same page. McVay, intentionally or otherwise, then shifted the narrative and the blame to Goff for the Rams failure to make deep playoff runs in 2019 and 2020. Which imo was immature if not shameful behavior unworthy of an outstanding coach.
Detroit has a hell of a nice offensive roster. Adding LaPorta and Gibbs in one draft was an insane influx of quality and he's got a strong line protecting him. I think they're a top wideout away from having an elite unit, and also maybe a QB depending on how he handles the playoffs.
Yeah... Amazing to add Gibbs and LaPorta. A great draft. (Brian Branch!). Detroit is now a really talented offensive roster. But last year they were a powerhouse with a bunch of guys you never heard of--- and Jared Goff pulling it all together. Now it's Amon Ra St. Brown, Gibbs, Montgomery, LaPorta, Reynolds, just maybe Jameson Williams, and good depth. A powerful oline again with depth to play through multiple injuries. A great OC. And though Goff was outstanding with the Rams, he is certainly a much more accomplished qb now.
But the biggest difference for Goff imo is that Detroit OC Ben Johnson is working with him, not against him, to how to run the offense:
In about 24 hours over the three days, Johnson and Goff sat in a meeting room surrounded by whiteboards.
They watched Rams video of Goff from 2019 and 2020, talked, took notes and drew plays with dry-erase markers.
On the first day, they focused on Goff ’s favorite pass and run concepts. The second day was devoted to Rams plays
Johnson didn’t completely understand. And on the final day, they brainstormed new directions to take the Lions
offense and ways to build on what Goff had already mastered.
A struggling quarterback and a tight ends coach going nowhere formed a strong bond and jump-started the offense for a team on the rise.
theathletic.com
But in this league you can never rest on your laurels. Which is to say Goff is still going to be evaluated on the playoffs and under the high expectations he has enabled. And this time around how will he handle that.
Goff doesn't need to prove he can win in the playoffs. When you can win the NFC championship on the road in New Orleans-- in overtime, after coming from behind in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter-- and win in Seattle against the division winner, with a broken thumb---you can win in the playoffs. No places or games tougher than those.
But I expect to see a lot more playoff wins from Goff in Detroit.