Pirate Galaxy » Brazilians are largely ambival

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- If Jared Goff can avoid an NFL pass rush as gracefully as he dodges questions about his playing time, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback of the future will be a star.The Rams (3-4) still have no idea whether Goff has true star potential because the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft hasnt played a snap as they hit their bye week.As the newness of the Rams homecoming wears off, Goffs holding pattern has become the most compelling theme of another .500 season for a franchise that hasnt made the playoffs since 2004.Im confident in myself, Goff said this week after running the Rams first-team offense in practice. Im confident in what I can do. I feel like if my numbers get called, Ill be ready, but its not up to me to decide what that time is.Case Keenum has played all seven games for the Rams, and he will be their starter next weekend against Carolina. Few people suggest the steady Keenum is the main reason for the Rams wins or losses. But not even coach Jeff Fisher believes Keenum will suddenly lead a transformation in the NFLs 30th-ranked offense, which has struggled for consistency from everyone -- even running back Todd Gurley, the 2015 Offense Rookie of the Year.Los Angeles has lost three straight after a 3-1 start, and Keenum threw four interceptions in last weeks loss to the Giants in London. But Fisher remains steadfast in his decision to take his time with his prize draft acquisition, even while his team hovers near mediocrity yet again after four straight losing seasons under his watch.You just kind of wonder at some point, this thing is going to get turned around, Fisher said this week, turning a question into an answer. Thats where we are right now, is holding on to hope that the health of this football team, and the experience, is going to get it turned around.While fellow rookie quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott are becoming stars, Goff still hasnt touched the field near the midway point of his first NFL season. He doesnt betray a trace of frustration publicly, instead focusing on his work with the scout team and spending his Sundays at Keenums shoulder.Its part of the process, part of whats going on, Goff said. Im not going to sit here and complain or gripe. Im going to support Case, and continue to get ready and be ready, and continue to be confident in myself and be ready when the time comes.With a chance to run the first-team offense in practice before the Rams split for their bye weekend, Goff looked confident and comfortable. He has been Keenums backup for the past six weeks on a team that only dresses two quarterbacks on game day, which proves Fishers contention he would be comfortable if Goff had to play.We wouldnt scale anything back, Fisher said. We wouldnt change a thing. Hes got that good of a feel for what were doing.So why isnt Goff playing already, if its inevitable? Fisher simply doesnt think its time yet.Goff played three college seasons in Californias spread offense, which bears scant resemblance to an NFL scheme, and he just turned 22 years old this month. He is adjusting to adulthood fairly well, but preparing for the pro game is even tougher.The time schedule is probably a little bit more (demanding) than college was, as far as time commitment, Goff said. But I talked to my friends, theyre in midterms right now, and I get to come out here and play football every day. So its good.Keenums inconsistencies pale in comparison to the running games struggles. Gurley is seventh in the NFC with 403 yards rushing, but hes managing just 3.0 yards per carry, the lowest average among the conferences top 24 ball carriers.Yet there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading toward the holidays: Los Angeles defense has been largely outstanding in a series of tough games, and its special teams have been nearly flawless.And though theyre back below .500, the Rams will have every opportunity to make a move. Their four November opponents are a combined 8-18, and they play five of their final nine regular-season games at the Coliseum after a year filled with difficult travel.We have a great opportunity, and it starts with the next opponent, Fisher said.---AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Cheap Custom Packers Jersey . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. 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FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Pride in the Rio Olympics is palpable in this Boston suburb, nicknamed Little Brazil for its thriving population of Brazilian immigrants and their shops and bakeries flying the nations green and yellow flag, often alongside the U.S. flag.But here and in other major Brazilian-American enclaves, many expats also are striking a cautionary tone, reflecting concern that the celebration of the Rio games may only serve to mask Brazils deeper political, economic and environmental problems.Estimates of how many people with Brazilian roots live in the U.S. vary widely, as the Census Bureau includes South Americans under the umbrella of those of Latino or Hispanic descent. Framingham, a diverse town of nearly 70,000 total residents, first began attracting large numbers of Brazilian immigrants some three decades ago.At Rosas Beauty Salon near the heart of downtown, owner Rosa Barrosa gushes over Brazils opportunity to host the Olympics.Perfeito, perfeito, perfeito! (perfect, perfect, perfect), said Barrosa, who glides between English and Portuguese while discussing the games. The world is going to be surprised. Its going to be the best Olympic games. I know Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is a perfect country for this.Barrosa, 54, emigrated 20 years ago but keeps close ties with Brazil and believes skeptics are focusing too much on the negatives, rather than positives about a country which she boasted, really knows how to throw a party.Nearby, at the Brazilian-American Center -- which helps immigrants assimilate -- young children in a summer camp program shouted yes in unison when asked if they were proud the Olympics were being held in Brazil. The youngsters displayed a keen knowledge of Olympic happenings, aware for instance that Brazils vaunted mens soccer team was struggling in early matches, and that its first gold medal had come in womens judo (Rafaela Silva).Thulio Felisberto, a staffer supervising the children, sensed mixed feeliings about the Olympics among many adults in the community.ddddddddddddSome people see it as `wow, a really prideful thing to have it in our country, but other people look at it as maybe like a cover-up for these other political things that have happened, especially recently, said Felisberto, a Worcester State University student who came to the U.S. with his parents at age 5 but still has extended family in Brazil.While preparing for the games, Brazil has endured a recession, a political crisis that led to impeachment proceedings against the countrys president, reports of polluted waterways and a health emergency caused by the Zika virus.Right now I think Brazil is not ready for this kind of event, said Gustavo Mota, a manager at Tropical Cafe. Yet while citing similar worries about the nations economy and politics, Mota also saw potential for the games to present a more upbeat image of Brazil to the world and provide a needed boost to its own self-confidence.As for the competition itself, he noted that many Brazilians are largely ambivalent toward most sports -- with one exception, of course. People get crazed about soccer but not the other games, Mota said.Few among the lunchtime diners were paying much heed to rugby or other events being shown on TVs at the restaurants bar. Larger crowds were anticipated for the soccer matches.To many young immigrants like Mota, 27, Brazils future is of far more than passing interest because they havent ruled out returning someday to live in their native country.Otavio Souza, 18, a restaurant worker and Framingham High School student, said he came to the U.S. with his mother two years ago to pursue a better life. His father and brother remain in Brazil. Souza echoes the mix of pride and skepticism about the Olympics.Half the Brazilians they like it, and half dont, he said. ' ' '