LA Rams: 4 positive takeaways from Raiders preseason game

Backup QB battle heating up

As the preseason opened for business, it appeared that the Rams’ top two quarterback spots were set and that the only decision to be made was who would serve as the third quarterback on the Rams roster. Well, that changed pretty quickly as it was Perkins who demonstrated poise and a command of the offense in the season opener. So much so that he handled the quarterbacking duties for the entire second preseason game.

While he is still incredibly raw, second-year quarterback Bryce Perkins is pushing for a larger role for the Rams this season. After a rather strong showing against the LA Chargers, the second-year quarterback showcased the ability to pass, run, and make solid decisions against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Even as backup quarterback John Wolford continues to heal and recover from an emergency appendectomy surgery, Perkins has closed the gap between himself and Wolford dramatically. If he continues to show the type of rapid progression in the final preseason game, he may or may not usurp Wolford as the primary backup quarterback, but he will make the case for his retention on the team’s 53-man roster.

All the while, John Wolford faces the final year of the contract. Perkins’s performance is, in my rough estimation, making it harder and harder for the Rams to re-sign Wolford to a new contract extension next year. Perkins simply need to polish his ball placement, get a bit stronger on deep throws, and learn learn learn as much as he can from OC Kevin O’Connell and veteran QB Matthew Stafford.

Did the Rams hit on a solid quarterback option out of the ranks of undrafted players? Well, I’m not going to go that far just yet. But Perkins is showing that he was a wise addition to the team’s roster in 2020. And if his development continues, he will earn a larger role with the LA Rams in the weeks ahead.