LA Rams: Matthew Stafford, zip, injuries, birds and QBees

Former Buffalo backup

If the LA Rams want a minimum-cost veteran, then they should give a call to Matt Barkley‘s agent. Barkley is a 6-foot-2 234-pound veteran California native who would undoubtedly welcome a chance to return to California. After all, the sunny California native has spent the last three seasons in snowy Buffalo, New York, as the backup quarterback for the Bills.

Not, this guy is not an Earl Morrall-caliber backup at the quarterback position. Barkley has completed less than 60 percent of his career passes, has a horrific 11 touchdown to 22 interception ratio in his career, and he has seen action in eight games over the past three seasons. So why would we put him out there as even an option?

Well, for starters he is a bonafide pocket passer, and that is something that the LA Rams are notoriously lacking in the backup quarterback department. While he has been somewhat of a mixed bag, he has been getting a steady dose of action with the Buffalo Bills, mainly in the role of mop-up quarterback. In fact, over the past three seasons, he has only seen 204 offensive snaps.

But mopping up late in the game could be a vital role for the LA Rams in the course of keeping Matthew Stafford upright for 17 games and into the playoffs. Entering the game for the last 10-15 offensive snaps in games with lopsided scores would be a wise use of any backup quarterback, and Barkley has gone that route over the past three seasons?

The LA Rams may not be as fortunate in running up a big lead as the Buffalo Bills. But even if it’s just to take a knee and run out the clock, I’m all for it. Stafford has a specific and vital role to play on this offense. Let’s not add garbage minutes to his job description.