After any five-win season, it doesn’t matter who’s at quarterback. Every card should be on the table. At least, that is what other teams seemed to be hoping.
The Los Angeles Rams were approached about potentially trading Matthew Stafford and “unanimously” declined, according to ESPN. As such, it appears he’s safe, for at least one more season. The team is not known for sitting idly by and taking losing without making big moves, so it might be Stafford’s last shot. However, long before the final snap solidifies the team’s final record, the backup quarterback battle could offer a glimpse of the team’s true feelings.
Sure, the backup battle between Brett Rypien and Stetson Bennett could be a fair competition. If it is and fans have trouble picking a winner, there’s nothing to analyze. However, if there’s a clear gap between the two and Sean McVay chooses the one that is obviously behind, red flags should fly for Stafford.
Who Will Be The Rams Backup QB?
Basically, all signs point to a close battle that Brett Rypien, being an NFL veteran with starting experience, should win by a noticeable margin. He’s one of the few quarterbacks that have a winning record with the Denver Broncos following Peyton Manning‘s retirement, boasting a 2-1 record.
In the end, after the backup competition gets tabled for the offseason, Stetson Bennett should eclipse Rypien as he grows more comfortable under Sean McVay and the NFL in general. However, if the National Championship winner Bennett shows to be clearly behind Rypien and gets the first backup quarterback job, it’s clear a transition is in the works.
It doesn’t mean that Stafford will be replaced this year, but it does mean that the team might be more eager to move on than they’re willing to admit.
In his time with Georgia, the quarterback played for four seasons. His first two years were essential write-offs as he threw for ten touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 2021, it all changed. He jumped up to throwing for 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 14 games. The following year, he proved that 2021 was not a fluke and threw for 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 15 games. In both years, he won the National Championship as QB for Georgia.
People made jokes about his age, but at 25 years old, he could still play a decade in the league. The Rams selected him in the fourth round, which was the same round that Dak Prescott was chosen in and he now serves as the oldest starting quarterback in the NFC.