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Jared Goff doesn’t want leaving the pocket to become a habit

Rams quarterback Jared Goff completes a pass while under pressure from 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead during a Rams' 41-39 win last Thursday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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It’s time to step up.

No indiscriminate running backward, to the right or to the left.

Rams quarterback Jared Goff said Wednesday that one of his goals going into Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys was to stay in the pocket longer.

Goff said he was “flushed” from the pocket a little too quickly in the first three games.

“We’ve had some big plays off it,” he said, “but you don’t want to make that a habit.”

In last week’s 41-39 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Goff made several impressive throws after leaving the pocket.

The No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft mostly has thrived while leading the Rams to a 2-1 start.

WIth 817 yards passing, Goff ranks seventh in the NFL behind Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Eli Manning.

Goff credited coach Sean McVay’s play-calling and the teammates who have made plays after the catch.

“Like I said a million times, just try to get them the ball and let him make a play,” he said.

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With Goff leading the way, the Rams’ offense generated 25 points in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, 20 in a loss to the Washington Redskins and 41 in last week’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

“There is no question that Jared is in a comfortable place and really doing a good job executing what they’re asking him to do,’ Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said during a teleconference. “They’ve been very efficient, scored a lot of points.

“They’re good running the ball, they’re good throwing the ball, they’re a very dangerous offense and he’s done an excellent job.”

Last season, Goff was sacked 26 times in seven games. He has been sacked three times this season.

The linemen have protected Goff and enabled running back Todd Gurley and others to make plays, Goff said.

“They haven’t gotten any credit,” he said, “and it’s been mainly them.”

So Goff said he would “maybe trust them a little more” in Week 4.

“Sit in there and continue to improve, continue to get better, continue to learn the game more and continue to try to give my receivers a chance to make a play and run with the ball after the catch,” he said. “Just continue to get better.”

Back at full strength

Cornerback Kayvon Webster is recovered from a shoulder injury and said he would play against the Cowboys.

Webster was held out of preseason games because of a shoulder issue and then aggravated the injury during the season opener.

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Webster was sidelined for the last two games as Nickell Robey-Coleman started opposite Trumaine Johnson.

Robey-Coleman intercepted a pass on the first play against the 49ers, setting up a touchdown.

“I was on the sideline being vocal, telling him what I see, what he can do — we all help each other,” Webster said. “Nickell did a great job.”

If Webster starts against the Cowboys, Robey-Coleman would return to the slot-corner position.

Etc.

McVay said he spoke with players regarding last weekend’s demonstrations at NFL games during the national anthem. He said the Rams would continue to follow their “standard operating procedures” for the anthem. ... Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks, arrested last Friday on suspicion of five felonies related to gun that was found inside a car he was driving near Bakersfield, continues to practice. “You’re disappointed for him that you get caught up in a situation like that,” McVay said. “Certainly, sometimes these are things that we can control and sometimes you get caught up in bad situations.” McVay said Westbrooks was preparing this week with the expectation that he would play against the Cowboys. “Until we get everything finalized in terms of exactly what the ruling is, what exactly went down — I trust Ethan,” McVay said…. …. Receiver Fred Brown was signed to the practice squad. Tight end Travis Wilson was released… Injury report: Receivers Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin (concussion protocol) were limited, and center John Sullivan (groin) did not practice. Offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth and linebacker Connor Barwin did not practice because of scheduled rest. Austin, who has muffed two punts, remains the punt returner, McVay said. “He’s done some great things over the course of his career and we don’t let a couple of plays define it and change our whole approach to a dynamic player like him,” McVay said.

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gary.klein@latimes.com

Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @latimesklein

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