RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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There are zero designed quarterback runs currently in the Los Angeles Rams ' playbook that involve Matthew Stafford. Maybe a quarterback sneak, but head coach Sean McVay once called Stafford a terrible sneaker and unfortunately for Rams fans, Stafford would prove McVay right, with the play failing more times than not last season.
The good news is that running is the worst part of Stafford's game, and while the veteran quarterback is able to extend plays, it's highly unlikely he'll take off running downfield anytime soon. However, just because Stafford can't do it, doesn't mean backups Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson won't be able to if they see playing time.
It's been confirmed recently that the Rams are strong proponents of a quarterback using his running ability, if he has the opportunity to advance the ball.
"I thought he used his legs as a weapon, which we talked about a little bit with you guys last week," said McVay about Bennett after the Rams' preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. "I think those are the things that don't necessarily come to life in some of the practice settings."
On another question, McVay again praised Bennett for using his legs, as the quarterback scored two touchdowns on the ground.
"I thought he made some really good decisions. I thought he got through some progressions," said McVay. "Then I love the fact that he used his legs. We'll learn from reaching the ball out on the end zone even though I challenged that and it worked out for us."
Bennett himself was asked about those runs, confirming the coaching staff does want their quarterback to take off if there's an opening.
“Yeah, that was fun," said Bennett. "That was fun. They're constantly reminding me in practice, especially down there in the red zone: If it's not there, take off. I had one early in the first quarter, I want to say, where I checked it down and kind of threw it away. I had gotten through all my progressions and taken off and run. I had that in my mind on the two rushing scores, but yeah, it was fun.”
The Rams are not coaching their quarterbacks to take off at the first sign of daylight, but emphasizing the fact that their legs are another option in their pursuit to remain ahead of the chains. That requires quarterbacks to be decisive, so the team doesn't want to limit the tools each passer could use.
One of the things that has emerged with both Bennett and Simpson is that the team is very comfortable moving the pocket thanks to their mobility. The next logical step is to introduce quarterback runs as a part of their package. Likely, those won't be called much, due to the risk it poses to the health of the quarterback, but in do-or-die situations, it's another tool the team has.
These statements prove that if the risk is managed, they're willing to take it and if anyone can schematically manage risk, it's McVay. All I'm going to say is that if the Rams are struggling in the red zone this season, don't be surprised to see some creativity, especially if Simpson somehow wins the QB2 job.
Would it be the worst thing for Ty Simpson to "Taysom Hill" it for a couple of seasons? Maybe that's a bridge too far, but it is exciting to see the Rams continue to dive into offensive concepts that they either refused to or were unable to use previously.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Stetson Bennett's mobility adds another element to Rams offense
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