How Rams converted QB depth from weakness to strength

Rams taking a holistic approach to quarterback quandary

Perhaps the main reason that the team has struggled at the backup quarterback position is due to the fact that the front office's approach has come from a reactionary perspective. Like many late-night informercials, the team seemed to take a set it and forget it attitude about backup quarterbacks, perhaps believing that watching the starter go about his business would be enough to create a learning-by-osmosis cycle.

Unfortunately, that never happened.

This year, the team appears to have invested in multiple 'quarterback whisperers' who have had success at developing multiple NFL prospects into starting quarterbacks in the past. The Rams hired QB Coach Dave Ragone to run point on the team's ability to coach up and align all four quarterbacks on the roster, but the Rams have multiple coaches who have had excellent success in coaching up quarterbacks in the past.

1. John Streicher | Game Management Coordinator | Story Link
2. Dave Ragone | QB Coach | (see link in next line)
3. Nate Scheelhaase | Offensive Assistant, Pass Game Specialist | Story Link
4. Jerry Schuplinski | Senior Offensive Assistant | Story Link

I have not read very much about the fact that Rams Senior Offensive Assistant Jerry Schuplinski was a former New England Patriots Assistant QB Coach who helped to develop Rams backup quaterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Was it simply a matter of coincidence that the Rams signs Jimmy Garoppolo to become the team's primary backup quarterback in 2024?

That's is a long-shot if it was simply random chance.

But this multi-layered quarterback coaching system is not limited to coaching starter Matthew Stafford or backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Imagine the support and help that second-year quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn will get this season with so many coaches who understand how to get the most out of young hurlers. In this culture, in this set of circumstances, why wouldn't second-year QB Stetson Bennett be considered the Rams' best future QB option?

Has this team solved the problem of the backup quarterback position? Perhaps. But there has never been a time under Coach McVay that the team has taken the backup QB role more seriously. Perhaps that is why this team did not feel the need to draft any rookies to the quarterback position in 2024. From what we can see, the team believes that they have the talent, and simply need to upgrade the coaching.

How did the Rams convert QB depth from weakness to strength? By not only investing in the quarterbacks themselves, but by surrounding them with a talented offensive line, backfield, and receivers. Perhaps most of all, the team made sure to level up their coaching staff to provide multiple coaches who can develop quarterbacks as well.

As always, thank you for reading.