Countdown to Camp is a series breaking down the Rams roster by position group heading into the team's first open training camp practice. The third installment examines the quarterbacks.
When the Rams entered training camp last July, the experience of the quarterback room went like this:
- Matthew Stafford: 14 seasons, 191 career games played (all starts)
- Brett Rypien: 3 seasons, 8 career games (3 starts)
- Stetson Bennett: Rookie fourth-round pick
Now, compare the position group's experience to this year:
- Stafford: 15 seasons, 206 career games played (all starts)
- Jimmy Garoppolo: 10 seasons, 81 career games played (63 starts)
- Bennett: Did not play as a rookie
The contrast illustrates one of the most important lessons the Rams learned from the 2023 season: Having an experienced backup behind Stafford. Look no further than Week 18 at the 49ers vs. Week 9 at the Packers.
In those 81 career games played, Garoppolo's record is 43-20. He's the most experienced backup Los Angeles has had for Stafford in his time with the team. And in terms of learning the Rams' offense, Garoppolo has offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur (overlapped at 49ers), tight ends coach/pass game coordinator Nick Caley (Patriots) and senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski (overlapped at Raiders) to translate concepts from previous teams to ones run by the Rams.
Bennett did not see the field as a rookie last year after being placed on Reserve/NFI list, but was obviously with team during OTAs and training camp last year and was onboarded back onto the team this spring, so he has familiarity with Los Angeles' system. With Garoppolo serving a two-game suspension to start the season, Bennett's development throughout camp and the preseason will be important as the expected backup to Stafford during that span.
