LOS ANGELES -- Jared Goff stepped up in the pocket Sunday and delivered an accurate pass over the middle for a 35-yard gain on third-and-15.
It was exactly the type of play coaches and evaluators around the NFL want to see the Los Angeles Rams' third-year starter make as a rite of passage into the upper tiers of the quarterback world.
Goff, whose two touchdown passes helped the Rams hold off the Seattle Seahawks, will take center stage with the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes on Monday Night Football in Week 11. The matchup will feature the two quarterbacks rising the fastest since my 2018 QB Tiers survey was published over the summer.
Ten general managers, five head coaches, 10 coordinators, 10 senior personnel executives, five QB coaches and 10 other coaches/execs comprised the 50-man panel. I re-polled five voters in recent days to see which quarterbacks were rising, falling or simply the most interesting in their eyes. Results and insights follow, but first, a quick refresher on each tier.
Tier 1: Can carry his team each week. The team wins because of him. He expertly handles pure passing situations.
Tier 2: Can carry his team sometimes but not as consistently. He can handle pure passing situations in doses and/or possesses other dimensions that are special enough to elevate him above Tier 3. He has a hole or two in his game.
Tier 3: A legitimate starter but needs a heavier running game and/or defense to win. A lower-volume passing offense makes his job easier.
Tier 4: Could be an unproven player with some upside or a veteran who is ultimately best suited as a backup.
Tier 5: Should not start under any circumstances.
