LA Rams Bryce Perkins’ hurdle dropped jaws on the bench

Just precisely what the LA Rams had stashed away in the deep-end of their roster pool was on full display at last night’s preseason game against the LA Chargers when a third (or fourth?)-string quarterback by the name of Bryce Perkins showcased his athleticism by stiff-arming one defender and then hurdling another Chargers defender and left him grasping nothing but air. Not to mention that the nifty trickery netted the LA Rams a first down.

The crowd at SoFi Stadium roared at what became the night’s signature highlight-reel moment.  It was a 12-yard scamper, a play that electrified the LA Rams fans, not only because it was so astounding, but also because the team forgot to bring any offensive fireworks. That was doubly true over the Rams rushing attack debut.

Rams fans feared the worst and hoped for the best. Fans had to face their fears in this one.

Afterward,  Perkins had this to say about his hurdle:

"“I was just trying to keep the chains moving. Plays like that are just reactionary. Usually when I’m on the field I can’t hear anything (from the sidelines). But after that play it seemed like I heard everybody.”- Brycen Perkins as per Jerry Ratcliffe of JerryRatcliffe.com"

What is all the fuss about?

And while the play itself is certainly something to marvel at, the expressions on the faces of QB1 Matthew Stafford and (presumed) QB2 John Wolford is equally priceless.

And here’s the Rams sideline reaction: Bryce Perkins hurdles Chargers defender

And here’s the play

Stafford’s jaw nearly drops to the floor. . . and Wolford is so impressed by the move he breaks out a bit of an LA Dodgers’ “Dunk’ Em on the Head Pat” celebration, which has become this year’s celebratory move over there at Chavez Ravine’s Dodger Stadium. Seemed rather fitting that in a game pitting two teams that both call LA their home that a hometown move would spontaneously burst forth like that.

Just a nice crossover between the two LA teams: The LA Rams and the LA Chargers.

On the origins of the maneuver, there’s this: “Dunk ’em on the Head” Pat. And here’s the video:

LA infielder Gavin Lux revealed the birth recently by saying:

"“One day I was sitting with Mookie [Betts] and I was like, ‘we gotta come up with something creative this year.’ Last year it was the ‘barrels are overrated’ and we’d shake our hands, but this year it was like when we score a run, or we hit a home run, RBI, double, triple to bring someone in, we got to do the head tap like the basketball guys do when they dunk on somebody. So, it’s basically us saying we dunked on you, but it’s all fun and games and nothing too serious. It kinda keeps us loose and that’s how we have fun. That’s how we play.”-per DodgersNation.com"

And last night, Perkins, indeed, came to play, as the 2019 undrafted free agent from the University of Virginia who had yet to see the playing field for the Rams, completed 7 of 10 passes for 42 yards, and the first TD pass of the exhibition season. He ended the game as the Rams’ leading rusher with 23 yards on four carries.

He displayed poise and patience in the pocket, too, as evidenced by that TD pass to WR Trishton Jackson in the back of the end zone, waiting for Jackson to get open as the second option before lobbing the ball with a deft touch to the spot where only the receiver could nab it.

As a true dual-threat QB, Perkin’s mobility and athleticism afford this team (and head coach Sean McVay) an intriguing new offensive weapon to wield.

His play certainly out-shined that of teammate, quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges and probably allowed him to leapfrog Hodges for the third backup QB slot. Maye even bringing a little competition (heat?) to backup quarterback John Wolford’s roster spot as well.