Rams should warm up QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett in the bullpen

Rams need to start warming up Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett

It's not an alarmist or fatalist reaction to simply read the signs and begin to take precautions. If the Rams fail to prepare the backup quarterbacks to step up in the case of an injury to Stafford, that is on the coaches. And right now, whether real or simply an anomalous downturn in his stats, Matthew Stafford seems to be struggling.

Just like the Los Angeles Dodgers, if the starting hurler is struggling, you start warming up the relievers in the bullpen. Right now, that means that backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett need to be ramping up their preparation, perhaps even to the point of getting some snaps with the starting offense.

The Rams offense, having struggled mightily in Week 7, must now step up to the plate and rock the Minnesota Vikings, one of the best teams in the NFL this season. The Vikings have a dominating run defense, allowing just 80.0 yards per game. So if the Rams are going to win in Week 8, it will come down to Stafford's throwing. That's fine by the Vikings, a defense that is third-ranked in the terms of quarterback sacks. Conversely, the Rams defense is 26th-ranked in quarterback sacks.

The Rams offense is tied at 16-ranked in terms of QB sacks allowed.

If the Rams allow Stafford to get taken to the ground too frequently, this Thursday Night Football game could get ugly very quickly.

The sad aspect of this discussion is that Stafford may already be dealing with an injury. And he is not the type of player to share his pain with trainers, coaches, or teammates. So we have to hope that Stafford is not injured and simply had an off-game. But prudence demands that the team prepares if it's something more.

The Rams lost Stafford in 2022 in a similar set of circumstances. Injuries depleted the roster, and Stafford was injured as he was sacked, and sat out the remained of 2022. The Rams have adjusted the roster in the case that happens again. But the real key is to have them ready to go if Stafford is injured this season.

Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett need to start warming up in the bullpen.

As always, thanks for reading.

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