LA Rams QB room is epicenter of confidence and chaos for 2024
By Bret Stuter
II: If Rams can't beat Jimmy G, sign him
Perhaps one of the most unusual signings since the LA Rams hired HC Sean McVay is that of former foe, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Did this signing make sense? Absolutely. So let's run down the reasons why the team would embrace their most dominating arch-nemesis.
Let's start from the top. Of the active quarterbacks in the NFL, the two most successful quarterbacks in post-season play are now on the LA Rams roster. With the exception of San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy, the Rams are tops in post-season hurlers. Rams starting QB Matthew Stafford has a 4-1 record in the post-season. Backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo and 49ers QB Brock Purdy are tied with a post-season record of 4-2. Not even former Rams QB Jared Goff can match their success, coming in with a post-season record of 2-3 on the Rams roster.
One of the other benefits of signing Garoppolo is his intimate familiarity with the NFC West Divisional opponets. Garoppolo has incredible insights into the San Francisco 49ers, but routinely faced the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals twice a season as well. So he comes to the team with a book of business of facing opponents.
There is a consensus that the Rams are leaning their offensive playbook into a more balanced attack, which gives this team more interest in running the football. That blending of a balanced offense is Jimmy G's forte, as he was the field general of the 49ers offense that loved mix runs with passes.
But you have to acknowledge that taking Garoppolo away from all potential 2024 opponents completely neutralizes his 8-0 undefeated record when facing the LA Rams. While that may seem like a reach, keep in mind that having Garoppolo on this roster not only prevents him from beating the Rams in games, but allows the Rams to dissect and analyze his methods, strengths, and weaknesses, in case they fact him on an opposing team in the future.