Jared Goff

Cowboys welcome Jared Goff to NFL with sack and a pick on 2nd pass

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:28 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

It didn't take long for the Dallas Cowboys to give L.A. its "Welcome back to the NFL" moment, or give Jared Goff his greeting to the league.

Goff, the No. 1 pick in April's draft, stepped under center for the Rams for the first time in the second quarter of Saturday's preseason opener. After an incompletion on his first pass, this happened:

.@JaredGoff16 hit as he throws...

And he's PICKED! @DallasCowboys ball! ? #DALvsLA https://t.co/zgF21Ki4TB
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2016

Welcome to the NFL, Mr. Goff.

The Cal product finished the first half 4 of 9 for 38 yards and didn't return.

Goff wasn't even the most impressive rookie QB on the field. That would be Dak Prescott, who made a strong bid to win the Cowboys' backup job after Kellen Moore went down. The former Mississippi State star completed 10 of 12 passes for 139 yards and two TDs in the first half and sat out the second as Sean Mannion led the Rams back for a 28-24 win.

Mannion finished 18 of 25 for 147 yards, three TDs and a pick. Case Keenum, who started for the Rams, went 6 of 7 for 58 yards.

But the focus will continue to be on Goff, who showed he needs more reps and a better effort from his line and his receivers, FOX Sports' Dieter Kurtenbach writes.