Jared Goff’s Footwork Sets Him Apart

Jared Goff is known for the prolific arm that helped him break records, but it’s his footwork that really makes him a special prospect.

Cal Bears‘ junior quarterback Jared Goff has a great arm, one he used to break just about every passing record that was available at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as some Pac-12 records. It’s that arm that has made him one of the premier quarterbacks in the 2016 NFL draft. But besides that, his feet make him a very special passer prospect.

The Novato, California-native isn’t mobile in the “new age” sense, where quarterbacks like Cam Newton, Marcus Mariota, and Andrew Luck can both throw out of the pocket, and break the pocket and pick up big gains on the ground with relative ease. Rather, Goff is mobile in the “traditional” sense, comparable to guys like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Joe Flacco, who are not running quarterbacks, but can make small movements in the pocket to avoid sacks, all while keeping their eyes down the field looking to make a throw.

Goff has what has been referred to as “typewriter” feet, which is the quick, constant tapping of his feet in the pocket, like someone using a typewriter. That foot movement gives Goff better body control in the pocket, allowing him to scan the field from left to right more effectively than someone who stands flat-footed in the pocket. It also gives him added mobility, as he can move forward, backward, or from side to side within the pocket to avoid oncoming pressure without losing any momentum.

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That quality was incredibly useful for Goff and the Cal offense in 2015, Goff’s junior year. The Bears’ offensive line was one of the shakiest in the Pac-12, and the quarterback needed to move around in, and sometimes out of the pocket just for his own survival. Goff was forced to get rid of the ball quickly, which he did, as 60.8 percent of his dropbacks lasted less than 2.6 seconds (according to Pro Football Focus). Goff uses his footwork, shuffling around within the pocket, to avoid the rush and find a receiver quickly, essentially nullifying any poor offensive line play in front of him. Also according to PFF, Goff earned a +12.5 grade against the blitz, and a +6.5 grade when under pressure, both high marks.

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Goff’s pocket poise under pressure was on full display on November 28th of last season, when the Bears concluded the regular season against the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Devils, known as a blitz happy team entering the meeting, were not shy about bringing added pressure, but Goff picked them apart. All five of Goff’s touchdown passes came when ASU brought extra pressure, and each time he released the ball in under 2.6 seconds. Three times, the ball was out less than two seconds after the snap came. On the final drive, which concluded with Cal’s Matt Anderson kicking a game-winning field goal, Goff showed he does have some nifty feet as well.

With the pocket collapsing to both Goff’s left and right, he stepped forward looking to avoid the sack. When the front of the pocket closed in on the quarterback, Goff backed out and escaped to his right, keeping his eyes down the field the entire time. Goff stopped running, avoiding one sack, then shook a defender off his back, spinning out of his grasp to avoid another, and fired the ball to his receiver, sophomore Chad Hansen, for a 17-yard gain on a play that should have been a loss for Cal. This play is indicative of Goff’s pocket presence and his ability to extend a play despite not being a “pull it down and run” kind of quarterback.

Next: Goff Goes to Cleveland in Early Mock Draft

Goff has a strong, very accurate arm that he can use to throw guys open. It’s that arm that makes him a quite intriguing quarterback prospect. It’s his feet that make him one of the best quarterback prospects in the country.