LA Rams: Which quarterback is best described as a dual threat

The LA Rams are tweaking their offense for the 2020 season and beyond, so which current QB is the best fit?

Sean McVay recognized the need for the LA Rams to make changes with the direction of the offense and defense. As soon as he had that epiphany, he set about hiring new coordinators for the team for 2020.  New offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is transforming the McVay offense slowly but deliberately into the O’Connell scheme. With the emphasis on a dual-threat quarterback, will the Rams fans see the offense move away from the predominantly pocket passer? And for that matter, should the offense even make that change?

Sometimes the best quarterback on the roster does not fit the offensive philosophy. For example, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, a pure pocket passer, was a wishbone quarterback at Oklahoma University. He transferred to UCLA and the rest is history for the NFL Hall of Fame member. As a Sooner graduate, it was fairly easy to see that Aikman was not a wishbone QB.

The Rams spent plenty of draft capital in 2016 to ensure that they would land their top quarterback choice, quarterback Jared Goff. Since that draft, Jared Goff remains the face of the Rams franchise as the starting QB. However, winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal each season. Is Goff able to add another dimension to his skillset and elevate the Rams offense? Or must the Rams manufacture additional dimensions to help out the offense, and ultimately, the team?

More from Rams News

• Is the LA Rams offensive line already better off than it was a year ago?
• What is the most important key to LA Rams 2023 NFL season?
• LA Rams Bobby Wagner’s swag helped hold team together in 2023
• Raheem Morris met with Indianapolis Colts well into evening
• LA Rams beat the odds in their Matthew Stafford trade

The NFC West is loaded with high caliber quarterbacks. Most divisional teams run the high octane offense needed to put pressure on opposing defenses. And while the defenses become faster and more athletic, offenses have already begun to respond with quarterbacks who can threaten defenses with both their legs and their arms?  Will the Rams tweak their quarterback metrics to move towards the dual-threat type?

Ranking the best dual-threat QB on the current Rams roster

At the top of the list lies rookie quarterback Bryce Perkins, the undrafted rookie who played two seasons at Virginia. He ran for 1692 yards and completed 64.5 percent of his passes. Perkins has the potential to become the Rams version of Lamar Jackson, if not rushed. There is no need to get him onto the field in 2020, but the Rams will need to be careful. Placing him onto the practice squad invites other teams to poach him. He may make the Rams 55-man roster simply in the interest of future development.

Second, returning backup quarterback John Wolford played four seasons at Wake Forest. Although he was on the Rams practice squad in 2019, the Rams have promoted him by default this season by not bringing back Blake Bortles to the roster.  Wolford ran for 1120 yards and completed 59.7 percent of his passes. Wolford will have to elevate his game to push for playing time and to hold the primary backup quarterback spot this season.

Third, starting quarterback Jared Goff played three college seasons at California-Berkley. He ran for -114 yards and completed 62.3 percent of his passes. As a pro, he has run for 215 yards and completed 62.9 percent of his passes, since 2016. While there is no chance of a change under center, any injuries could open up the debate – particularly if Perkins gets playing time and looks just that good.

Fourth, quarterback Josh Love played four seasons at San Jose State. He ran for -282 yards and completed 57.8 percent of his passes. While he has plenty of solid skill sets that are attractive, in terms of dual-threat, he does not have much threat of running for positive yards. In short, Love has an uphill battle to fight for playing time.

OC O’Connell and the Rams face the Dallas Cowboys in week one. Training camp hopes to begin in July unless things change. Expect Perkins to push Goff throughout the summer. Let’s see how things unfold.