The ultimate Matthew Stafford backup? Why Rams love Jimmy Garoppolo
No Matthew Stafford, no problem.
At least for the moment.
With the star quarter of the Rams sidelined because of the coach Sean Mcvay described as rear pain, the 12th year pro Jimmy Groppolo manages the offensive while the Rams are preparing for their first game of September 7 against the Texans of Houston.
“I discovered suddenly quite suddenly,” said Groppolo about his elevation at the offensive of the first team on the eve of the training camp. “But it’s the life of a quarter aid.”
Stafford, entering his 17th season, is expected to join training sessions next week, according to Mcvay. If the staff of staff persists persists, it could be a problem for a team that should be a competitor of the Super Bowl.
In the meantime, they count on Groppolo, which is a luxury for Mcvay and the Rams.
Groppolo, 33, is 43-21 as NFL starter in stays with the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders. He led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in the 2019 season and played seven games in the playoffs.
“Jimmy Groppolo is a starting quarter,” said Mcvay. “Obviously, we feel so lucky to have someone like Matthew or to open the way, but Jimmy did a great job.”
The coordinator of the offensive Mike Lafleur: “The show continues when we are here. … When entering the 2nd year, he knows this locker room, and the guys do not flash when he is there because he has the order of this group.”
Groppolo signed with the Rams before last season after a 2023 season in the grip of an injury with the raiders.
The Rams Jimmy Garoppolo Rams goes to the training camp on Thursday.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
The belief of many was that it would be a one -year residence with the Rams before Groppolo sought an opportunity to start elsewhere.
During the offseason, the RAMs possibly explored the Stafford trade before concluding an agreement on an adjusted contract. Garoppolo, who had been considered as a bridge possibility if the Rams passed from Stafford, signed another contract of one year in March worth more than $ 3 million, according to Overthecap.com.
“Sean plays a big role,” said Groppolo when he was asked why he had decided to stay with the Rams. “Honestly, these are just people here. … Being about 12 years old, you see both sides – and the other side can age very quickly. … You have to be with good people.”
Groppolo played in a single game last season. He completed 27 of the 41 passes for 334 yards and two affected, with an interception, in a defeat of 30-25 against the Seattle Seahawks in the final of the regular season.
Now he is preparing for his 12th season.
Can he consider playing 17 seasons, at the staff?
“I take it year by year,” he said. “I would say, how does the body feel?” How does the mentality feel?
“I never want anything by half in my life. So I loved this football game and I always gave it everything I have. So when the day comes, I think I will know it.
“But we are not there yet.”
Etc.
The left tackle Alaric Jackson, who does not participate in complete practices due to blood clot problems, crossed a jogging with the team in his post. … The Rams train on Saturday, then left on Sunday.
