Why “Empty” could be the key for Jared Goff against the Packers

The Rams saw their first drive peter out against the Packers in the divisional round, and they could manage just a field goal after an ill-advised direct snap to running back Cam Akers, a couple more Akers carries, and a false start. But quarterback Jared Goff was able to make a couple of big-time throws on the drive, and the formation tendencies were important to watch.

This 28-yard pass to Josh Reynolds on first-and-10 from the Rams’ 30-yard line was kind of a big deal.

As the dots will tell you, the Rams got their big play out of an empty formation, which Sean McVay has called far more than any other coach. This season, per Sports Info Solutions, Goff had dropped back 131 times in empty formations, with 83 completions in 122 attempts for 813 yards, 325 air yards, one touchdown… and four interceptions. But those four picks have clearly not stopped McVay from calling empty, and it worked out in that instance. It also worked out on Goff’s 19-yard completion to Robert Woods, also out of empty.

The Packers, on the other hand, faced empty formations in the regular season on just 35 dropbacks (the fifth-fewest in the NFL), allowing 22 receptions on 30 targets for 229 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. So, maybe it was unfamiliarity with the package… or maybe it was the three-man rush with edge-rusher Preston Smith in coverage. Eek.

In any event, you can expect to see the Rams run more empty in this game, especially if Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine doesn’t bring extra pressure.