This might play out otherwise.
What Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo does on Sunday in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks — and what may occur through the offseason — may make it so.
In 2022, quarterback Baker Mayfield began the Rams’ regular-season finale, an extra time defeat by Seahawks that ended a historic Tremendous Bowl-hangover season. In 2023, quarterback Carson Wentz began the finale in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers and led the Rams to a victory.
Mayfield performed as a result of Matthew Stafford had been shut down after a midseason spinal damage. Wentz began as a result of coach Sean McVay rested Stafford for the playoffs.
With Stafford — a Tremendous Bowl champion and doable future Corridor of Famer — firmly entrenched, the Rams didn’t re-sign Mayfield or Wentz.
On Sunday, Stafford as soon as once more will likely be held out to keep away from damage and relaxation for the playoffs.
Garoppolo will begin for the Rams for the primary time. Though McVay stated this week that he didn’t regard it as an audition of kinds for Garoppolo, it’s not troublesome to see why it may very well be.
Stafford, 36, has two years remaining on the extension he signed after main the Rams to a Tremendous Bowl victory. He continues to play at an elite degree and has given no indication publicly that he’s contemplating retirement.
Nonetheless, after forcing the Rams’ hand to do a contract revision final July, it isn’t outdoors the realm of chance that the 16-year professional’s future with the crew is likely to be yr to yr.
If the Rams or Stafford determined to maneuver on, the seasoned Garoppolo, 33, may very well be a bridge whereas McVay and normal supervisor Les Snead seek for Stafford’s long-term successor.
Regardless, Garoppolo goals to carry out properly Sunday, engineer a victory and improve his inventory as a possible starter after his one-year contract with the Rams expires.
Backup Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) has been shadowing Matthew Stafford (9) all season.
(Eric Thayer / Related Press)
Garoppolo has embraced his position because the backup, however he’s trying ahead to the chance.
“It’s been a constant process of just picking things up, little details and nuances here and there,” he stated of studying the Rams’ offense, “but I feel like I’m in a decent spot. I just have to go apply it on Sunday now.”
Does Garoppolo, who has not began a recreation since October 2023, anticipate a seamless transition into the beginning lineup?
“It’s never seamless,” he stated. “I wish it was.”
Stafford is amongst a number of key gamers which can be anticipated to be held out to relaxation for subsequent week’s NFC wild-card spherical. Operating again Kyren Williams and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua additionally will not be anticipated to play.
The Rams enter the sport holding the No. 3 seed. In the event that they win, they are going to play host to both the Washington Commanders or Inexperienced Bay Packers. If the Rams lose, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the New Orleans Saints, the Rams will drop to No. 4 and play at residence in opposition to the loser of Sunday’s recreation between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
McVay has indicated that, aside from having the No. 1 seed and the bye that comes together with it, he was not involved about seeding.
He’s trying ahead to seeing Garoppolo incorporate what he has absorbed because the backup.
“I want to go see guys play well around him,” McVay stated, “and him be able to enjoy the opportunity to do what he loves — and that’s go play and compete.”
As he did for final season’s finale, McVay will cede play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. This time, LaFleur will do it for a quarterback he first labored with as a member of the 49ers workers in 2017.
“He was one of the guys who kind of taught me that offense, is teaching me this offense,” Garoppolo stated, including: “I’m excited to get out there Sunday with him and get in this action.”
Stated LaFleur: “Like old times a little bit.”
Maybe with a brand new postscript.
