Some LA Rams fans get their wish as team starts QB John Wolford

Is this why Kevin O’Connell is here?

When the LA Rams turned to Kevin O’Connell to be their next offensive coordinator, many linked his role to helping a regressing Jared Goff. Lost in all of the red carpet welcome-aboard information was the fact that the Rams quarterbacks were some of the newest and least experienced quarterbacks in the entire NFL.

One of the latest interviews with Kevin O’Connell focused upon how the Rams keep their two quarterbacks apart. But throughout the season, O’Connell has shared his views on Wolford. Per the Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue (subscription required):

"‘I think he’s going to be in a great situation in that huddle, being able to lead that group,” he said. “He’s prepared. He’s incredibly smart. I’ve been really happy with how he’s progressed fundamentally and he’s throwing the ball really well. … You know, I don’t worry too much with John about the experience, just because I’ve seen him work already and just as you get in the meeting room…’-Kevin O’Connell about quarterback John Wolford"

Wolford will not be overwhelmed in this upcoming game, and that’s a very good thing.

O’Connell’s influence unmistakeable

Don’t discount the lack of headlines nor the lack of OTA or a full training camp throw you off the scent. McVay brought O’Connell to the LA Rams to work with the quarterbacks, and for the entirety of the season, that is exactly what was done.  With Goff, O’Connell has been tasked with reclaiming better play out of an established NFL quarterback. With Wolford, the slate is virtually clean. Wolford has been dependant upon O’Connell’s feedback to mold his play and his preparation.

O’Connell has been instrumental in testing players ‘above the neck‘. And it’s that fortification of John Wolford’s mindset that is most evident now. Wolford knows what to do on the field. So O’Connell’s role this season has been to train his mind to keep up with what his body is doing, seeing, and feeling in a football game. From what we can tell as Wolford exhibits his mental and physical preparation, O’Connell has been key in getting Wolford to that point.

We’ll know soon enough how it turns out. But for now, the Rams will have a new quarterback taking snaps under center. And for a growing number of LA Rams fans, that is what they’ve wanted all season.