Speculation is swirling around the Los Angeles Rams as backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo steps into a starting role during training camp, while Pro Bowler Matthew Stafford nurses a back injury. While the team maintains optimism about Stafford’s Week 1 availability, the prospect of Garoppolo leading the charge has ignited considerable discussion among NFL analysts and fans alike. The immediate concern for the Rams appears to be ensuring Stafford’s full recovery and readiness for the grueling season ahead, rather than an urgent need to replace him.
Amidst the uncertainty, NFL analyst Chris Brockman put forth a bold take: he believes the Rams possess a strong enough roster to clinch the NFC West division even if Garoppolo were to start the majority of their games. This assertion, posed to veteran analyst Rich Eisen, was met with agreement, with Eisen adding that Garoppolo serves precisely as the “backstop” for such scenarios, highlighting his value as experienced insurance.
However, Eisen wisely tempered his endorsement by emphasizing the provisional nature of this outlook. He suggested that real concern would only materialize if Stafford’s recovery extended beyond the initial two to three weeks without any practice participation. This cautious stance underscores the Rams’ clear preference for their established starter, Matthew Stafford, to be healthy and at the helm for their 2024 campaign, particularly given their aspirations for a deep playoff run.
Despite the hope for Stafford’s swift return, it’s pertinent to examine Jimmy Garoppolo’s career track record to gauge his potential effectiveness should he be pressed into extended action. His sole appearance as a Rams starter in 2024, a largely inconsequential Week 18 game where starters were rested, saw him throw for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, demonstrating his capability to move the ball.
Looking back at his extensive career, Garoppolo has started 63 games, with 55 of those coming during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2022. During this period, he compiled an impressive 38-17 regular season record. Furthermore, he boasts a 4-2 playoff record, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2020 and an NFC Championship game in 2021, where his 49ers ultimately fell to the very Rams team he now backs up.
Should Garoppolo need to step in for an extended period, he would benefit from arguably one of the league’s most talented supporting casts. The Rams offense features elite skill position players such as Davante Adams, emerging star Puka Nacua, and dynamic running back Kyren Williams. Bolstering this offensive firepower is a solid offensive line, providing a formidable foundation for any quarterback.
Head coach Sean McVay has consistently praised Garoppolo as a starter-level player, acknowledging his experience and ability to lead an NFL offense. While the scenario of Garoppolo starting extensively is not ideal, the Rams’ careful management of Stafford’s injury signals their strong desire to avoid a repeat of the 2022 season, when Stafford missed six games due to injuries, contributing to the team’s disappointing 5-12 finish. Garoppolo’s presence provides valuable depth and experience, acting as a crucial safeguard against such a downturn.
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