What Can the Rams Expect from Jimmy Garoppolo If He’s Called Into Action?

Play-Action as a Foundation

Garoppolo’s most tremendous success has come through play-action, which creates defined reads and helps offset his limitations as a pure dropback passer. During his prime years with San Francisco from 2017 through 2021, he consistently ranked among the top quarterbacks in play-action efficiency, completing more than two-thirds of his attempts in those situations. That fits neatly with McVay’s approach, which emphasizes misdirection and intermediate throws to keep defenses off balance.

The effectiveness of play action hinges on a credible run game, and the Rams have one in place with Kyren Williams, who just signed a three-year contract extension earlier this month. Williams rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, giving Los Angeles a consistent early-down ground game. Defenses forced to respect that threat open up passing lanes for Garoppolo to target his primary weapons.

This is where the Rams’ passing game looks dramatically different than in recent seasons. With Cooper Kupp moving on, Los Angeles invested in bringing in Davante Adams, a seven-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s most consistent receivers over the last decade. Even at age 32, Adams continues to produce reliably; he posted over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns with Las Vegas in 2024. His precise route running and contested-catch skills provide Garoppolo with a trusted outlet in crucial downs. Alongside him, second-year star Puka Nacua gives the Rams a complementary force who has established himself as a cornerstone of the future. Nacua’s 1,445 yards as a rookie ranked fourth in the league, and his ability to break tackles and win after the catch makes him a dangerous option across multiple alignments.

Adams and Nacua give the Rams one of the NFC’s most potent wide receiver tandems, blending experience and youth. For Garoppolo, that combination offers reliability and explosiveness — qualities that could define how far Los Angeles can go if Stafford’s health falters.

Preseason Strategy and Readiness

McVay’s decision to keep Garoppolo sidelined throughout the preseason raised eyebrows among analysts. Typically, backup quarterbacks benefit from exhibition reps to refine timing with receivers, but McVay prioritized limiting injury risk. His philosophy indicates trust in Garoppolo’s ability to adapt without game action and highlights the importance of having him available should Stafford be sidelined.

There is some risk to this approach. Garoppolo must continue to learn McVay’s system and build chemistry with top targets like Adams and Nacua. Live snaps could have accelerated that growth, especially when timing under pressure matters. If the veteran quarterback takes snaps early in the regular season, his rhythm and comfort level will be closely scrutinized.

Durability Concerns

The other layer to this story centers on Garoppolo’s health. Over the past seven seasons, injuries have consistently interrupted his availability. From knee and ankle problems to shoulder and foot injuries, Garoppolo has completed only one full season since 2017. While he has shown the ability to bounce back, the reality is that asking him to handle a full 17-game slate would be a gamble in itself.

Therefore, the Rams’ supporting cast around him becomes even more critical. Williams offers balance out of the backfield, while Adams and Nacua can take pressure off the quarterback by winning early in routes. Tight end Tyler Higbee, who remains a steady contributor, provides the kind of short-yardage outlet Garoppolo has leaned on throughout his career. Defensively, the team’s young pass rush remains a strength, with Byron Young and Kobie Turner combining for 17 sacks last season. Even as the franchise adjusts to life after Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Rams believe their defense is strong enough to keep games within reach.

Expectations in Perspective

Should Garoppolo be called upon, expectations should remain tempered. He is efficient when kept in rhythm, with a career completion rate over 67 percent and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 94 to 51. However, he does not typically thrive when asked to throw 35 to 40 times per game or when forced into obvious passing downs. The Rams must lean on play-action, the run game, and their top receivers to keep the offense on schedule.

Looking Ahead

As the season approaches, Los Angeles finds itself balancing optimism with caution. Stafford remains the key to unlocking the Rams’ highest ceiling, but Garoppolo’s presence gives the team a level of security that is absent in many NFL quarterback rooms. Surrounded by Adams, Nacua, Williams, and a defense with ascending talent, Garoppolo would not be tasked with carrying the offense alone.

Whether that formula proves sufficient depends on his availability and ability to mesh quickly with his new surroundings. If Stafford stays healthy, the Rams’ ceiling is higher than current projections suggest. If Garoppolo becomes the starter, the offense may look different, but it could still function at a competitive level. The combination of veteran poise, youthful energy, and a balanced roster ensures Los Angeles enters 2025 with flexibility and a backup quarterback who offers more intrigue than most around the league.