3 takeaways from QB John Wolford’s command of LA Rams offense

LA Rams backup QB John Wolford put on a great display in the LA Rams scrimmage game. Here are 3 takeaways from training camp

The performance of LA Rams backup QB John Wolford at Saturday’s scrimmage was very impressive. Or perhaps was very confirming of the Rams decision to stick with him as the primary backup. Of course, he has yet to play in an NFL game, but some backup quarterbacks never really do. All Wolford can do in the scenarios that he plays football is to prove that he is the guy deserving of lining up under center.

Wolford is still wet behind the ears in terms of NFL experience, and particularly in terms of the LA Rams.  From the moment the Rams cut QB Brandon Allen in 2019, they committed to Wolford as their quarterback of the future. Even as the team’s confidence level in Wolford rose, they tucked him away on the 2019 practice squad.  The 6-foot-1 200-pound dual-threat quarterback is somebody who just seems to “fit” what the Rams offense is designed to do.

Dual-threat swarming NFL

Looking at the NFL, the presence of dual-threat quarterbacks is on the rise. The latest examples of excellence in the NFL at the quarterback position are Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Lamar Jackson. While they each have their own respective talents, the shape of the NFL game is changing rapidly as a result.  Think of the newest quarterbacks in the NFL creating buzz? Arizona Cardinals Kyler Murray, Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa, and Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts.

With the momentum behind the NFL movement to “go mobile”, the ability to defend dual-threat quarterbacks will rise as well.  In the past, the key to defending mobile quarterbacks like Michael Vick and Cam Newton was to assign one defender as the “spy” to mirror the quarterback and use the pass rush to stay in their lanes and create containment. But over time, defenses have become faster and leaner. That paves the way for Wolford’s skills at the position.