Okay, Jimmy Garoppolo, let's see what you've got as Rams aim at playoffs

As soon as the LA Rams clinched the NFC West Division and a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs, I knew exactly how Rams HC Sean McVay would approach the final game on the Rams schedule. Despite the fact that the offense has needed the past three games to match the offensive output of Week 14, the offense needs a rest. More specifically veterans like QB Matthew Stafford, RT Rob Havenstein, TE Tyler Higbee, and WR Cooper Kupp all appear to be in dire need of a BYE Week. And as every parent knows, if you do for one, you must do for all.

So it's almost certainly the moment that many Rams fans have been waiting for. It's time for former foe and Rams-killer, veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo, to suit up, don the Horns, and debut for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18.

And it has almost been stated outright by LA Rams Head Coach Sean McVay:

So, the thing is, what can Rams fans expect from an offense that is sitting almost all of the team's starters? Perhaps more than you think after a quick survey. Here's why:

The Rams have a deep and talented roster

The Rams roster was beset by multiple injuries as soon as the 2024 NFL season began, and the team has only recently healed to the point where injuries are no longer the root cause of the team's struggle. The Rams have carried a surplus at both the running back and tight end positions all season. In Week 18 we may see evidence as to whether the team was wise for doing so.

The Rams offense has given rookie running back Blake Corum some carries. But he could see nearly half of his 2024 NFL season carries of 56 in Week 18, as the Rams appear to be prepared to bench featured RB Kyren Williams. With Corum on the football field, the team will likely turn to seldom-used RB Ronnie Rivers.

As far as running routes, the team has WRs Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell, rookie Jordan Whittington, and even Xavier Smith warming up in the bullpen. With only some video footage available on the troup, the Rams may present unique challenges to the Seattle Seahawks secondary, even if they use their starters. But you have to believe that with Jimmy Garoppolo in the pocket, he will get a lot of looks at throwing to TEs Colby Parkinson, Hunter Long, and Davis Allen.

As far as the offensive line, I expect the Rams to sit as many as possible. I would definitely say that the Rams will sit LT Alaric Jackson and RT Rob Havenstein. But as far as the interior offensive linemen? I suppose that the team could sit the entire group, but I'm not prepared to go that far. After all, to truly evaluate the offensive reserves, Garoppolo will need to be protected.

Speaking of which, how well do we expect Garoppolo to do in Sean McVay's offense?

Jimmy Garoppolo has a lot of quality experience

Looking back over the LA Rams backup quarterback position since winning Super Bowl LVI, the Rams have done a remarkable job of adding an out-of-favor veteran quarterback and restoring his luster. By doing so, the Rams front office has been content to let those players sign contracts with new NFL teams once the season is over and the contract expires. In 2022, the team claimed QB Baker Mayfield. Mayfield stepped off the plane and just hours later, led the Rams to victory.

In 2023, the Rams signed QB Carson Wentz in mid season. It was Wentz who led the Rams junior varsity squad to a victory over the Sam Francisco 49ers varsity squad, and halting the 49ers winning streak over the Rams in the process. Now in 2024, the Rams will be sending out backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 18. But Jimmy G is not some veteran signed mid season. He is a veteran quarterback who has been on the team all season long.

When it comes to what does Garoppolo bring to an offense? He is a pocket passer who plays better against zone coverage than man coverage. He throws better over the middle of the football field than to either sideline. And as is the case for most quarterbacks, he is most accurate on short routes, somewhat accurate on intermediate routes, and less accurate on deep routes.

But he is always competitive. And that is a trait that endears him to Coach McVay. A veteran of 11 NFL seasons, Garoppolo has extensive work in the NFL Playoffs as well. His postseason record as a starter is 4-2, a very impressive record indeed for a backup quarterback. But if he plays well for the Rams, look for other NFL teams to dangle lucrative contracts at him.

After all, Baker Mayfield is playing well starting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And Carson Wentz would be too, if not backing up Kansas City Chiefs starter Patrick Mahomes.

In terms of incentive, Jimmy G has every reason known to football to go out and play his heart out. So what should Rams fans expect? Garoppolo plays his best when he is supported by a strong running game. And as he has run the scouting team for the Rams in practice all season long, he is very familiar with the offense that will likely surround him in Week 18. I expect the Rams to give Garoppolo more 12-personnel, if for no other reason than to attack the middle of the football field where he excels.

And because the Rams are always vigilant about not showing too much, the team will either custom-write the game plan for Garoppolo in Week 18 or simply go with a vanilla offense that reveals nothing to any potential future opponent. In the past three weeks, the offense has been held to 12, 19, and 13 points respectively. I expect Jimmy G. to do better than that.

Stay tuned. And as always, thank you for stopping by and reading.