Rams have to keep an eye on Trey Lance

Lance had a strong showing in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game

Football is back, and if you were bored enough Thursday night, you probably watched the Hall of Fame Game. Does preseason football really count as football? Debatable. Hopefully, the Los Angeles Rams were watching, as there was a player they should be keeping tabs on this preseason.

That player is Chargers quarterback Trey Lance, who started for the other L.A. team in the annual Canton showcase.

Lance had quite an evening, a stark contrast from his last preseason appearance with the Cowboys, when he threw five interceptions—coincidentally against the Chargers.

While again, it was only preseason, the North Dakota State product was very efficient and displayed much-improved touch on the ball in three quarters against the Lions. He asserted himself early as the potential backup to Justin Herbert.

Most importantly, Lance was playing with a renewed sense of confidence that we’ve rarely seen from him. Probably because no one has kept him around long enough to give him a chance. Kyle Shanahan, I hope you’re reading this and enjoyed that sick burn. Want some burn cream for that, Mr. Pouty Face?

Anyway, it certainly helps to be confident on the field with Jim Harbaugh hyping you up.

Everyone needs a wingman like Jim Harbaugh.

Anyone who has read this site knows that I love Trey Lance. I understand he’s an incredibly raw talent, yet he needs a true opportunity to prove himself under a coaching staff that truly believes in him. That was never the 49ers or Cowboys, and the jury’s still out on the Chargers. It was one game after all, and Lance must consistently perform similarly to how he played Thursday to earn another NFL opportunity.

If the Chargers decide not to make Lance QB2, then the Rams should give him a look. I’m trying to manifest this, don’t you see?!

Matthew Stafford has injury concerns, and you can never have enough quarterback depth. Jimmy Garoppolo is a strong backup, but the Rams need someone else with starting experience, and that’s not Stetson Bennett.

Lance’s sample size for his football career remains incredibly small, especially for a former top-three pick. My feeling is that if he goes to a team with a coaching staff willing to give him a rightful shot and a chance to develop, he will. I’m unsure the Chargers are that team, but the Rams should pay attention regardless, as the Stafford situation could always go south quickly.