Jared Goff seeking to become first top pick to win first start since 2002

Jared Goff has an opportunity to do something not done in almost 15 years when he makes his NFL debut on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

According to ESPN Stats and Information, no quarterback taken with the top overall pick has won his first NFL start since David Carr in 2002.

Carr helped the Houston Texans win the franchise’s first game in 2002, throwing two touchdowns in a 19-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Nine No. 1 quarterbacks since Carr have suffered defeats in their starting debuts.

The nine quarterbacks combined to throw 10 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in their starting debuts.

Cam Newton threw for 422 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Carson Palmer produced 248 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Both quarterbacks lost. They are the only two top picks to have a passer rating over 100.0 in their first NFL starts since 2002.

At least Goff can lean on the aid of having sat and watched from the sidelines during the first 10 weeks of his rookie season.

“I’m confident and ready to go,” Goff said, via ESPN. “Ready to play, ready to get back to playing football. Back to doing what I love — my job — and hopefully it’s the start of what will be a long career.”

An uncommon win would be a fine start for Goff on Sunday.

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