You’ve seen the highlights. Matthew Stafford flicking sidearm passes that look like they should be physically impossible for a 36-year-old with a history of back issues. It’s easy to look at the LA Rams quarterbacks 2024 depth chart and think it’s just the Stafford show, but that’s barely scratching the surface of what actually happened in the Rams’ QB room this year.
Football is weird. One minute you're the Super Bowl favorite, and the next you're wondering if a guy nicknamed "The Mailman" can actually deliver in a regular-season game. Honestly, the 2024 season was a masterclass in risk management from Sean McVay and Les Snead. They didn't just want a backup; they wanted a "break glass in case of emergency" insurance policy that actually knew how to drive the car.
The Stafford Survival Guide
Stafford is tough. Like, "playing through cracked ribs and a thumb injury" tough. In 2024, he suited up for 16 games and racked up 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. Those aren't MVP numbers, sure, but they are "keep the ship afloat while half your offensive line is on IR" numbers.
McVay said it best after a joint practice with the Texans: "There's nobody I'd rather have being the quarterback of the LA Rams than Matthew Stafford." It’s not just coach-speak. You can see the way the offense changes when he’s under center. The timing with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp is almost telepathic. Even when his ankle was barking in early December, he was out there.
What the stats don't tell you
If you just look at his 8 interceptions, you might think he was reckless. He wasn't. Most of those came during a brutal October stretch where he was basically running for his life. According to NFL.com data, Stafford dealt with everything from a preseason hamstring tweak to a cut on his thumb that happened at his house.
The guy is a warrior. But a 36-year-old warrior needs a backup plan.
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Enter Jimmy G: The $4 Million Insurance Policy
The biggest move of the 2024 offseason was signing Jimmy Garoppolo. People clowned on the move because of his two-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy. But think about it from the Rams' perspective. They had seen what happens when you don't have a vet behind Stafford (remember the Brett Rypien era? Yeah, let's not).
Jimmy G didn't play a snap until Week 18 against the Seahawks. Why? Because Stafford was actually healthy enough to keep going. But when Stafford rested for the playoffs, Garoppolo stepped in and looked... actually pretty good.
- Completion Rate: 65.9%
- Yards: 334 (in a single start!)
- Touchdowns: 2
- The Vibe: He fit the system perfectly.
Basically, Garoppolo was there to be the "adult in the room." He knew Mike LaFleur’s system from his Niners days. He didn't need a map to find the end zone. The Rams lost that Week 18 game 30-25, but Jimmy proved he could still sling it when called upon. It's why they ended up re-signing him for 2025.
The Stetson Bennett Mystery
What about Stetson Bennett? The "Mailman" spent his entire rookie year on the Non-Football Illness (NFI) list. 2024 was supposed to be his big "I'm back" moment.
It was... a roller coaster.
Bennett played a ton in the preseason. Against the Cowboys, he threw four interceptions. Four! But then, in true Stetson fashion, he led a game-winning drive at the very end. He finished that game with a touchdown and a bunch of "what was he thinking?" throws.
The 2024 Depth Chart Reality
- Matthew Stafford: The undisputed king.
- Jimmy Garoppolo: The veteran safety net.
- Stetson Bennett: The developmental wildcard.
Bennett didn't see the field in the regular season. He was the third-stringer, the guy holding the clipboard and soaking up as much as he could from Stafford. For a 28-year-old "prospect," it wasn't the ideal year, but for the Rams, having him as a cheap QB3 was a luxury.
Why the System Matters More Than the Arm
You’ll hear analysts talk about "arm talent" until they’re blue in the face. But for the LA Rams quarterbacks 2024, it was all about the brain. McVay’s offense is notorious for being "wordy." A play call can be 15 words long.
"Everything we do starts with the quarterback's ability to communicate the intent of the play," McVay often says.
That's why they moved on from Carson Wentz and brought in Jimmy G. It wasn't about who could throw the ball through a car window from 50 yards away; it was about who could get the team into the right protection against a disguised Zimmer blitz.
The Young Weapons Effect
It helps when you have Puka Nacua breaking records. Stafford’s job in 2024 was often just "get the ball to the guys who can run." With Kyren Williams rushing for nearly 1,300 yards, the QBs didn't have to be superheroes every week. They just had to be efficient.
Misconceptions About the 2024 Season
A lot of people thought the Rams were looking for "The Next Guy" in 2024. They weren't. They were looking to win now. Every move—from restructuring Stafford's contract to bringing in a high-priced backup—was about maximizing the current window.
Some fans were annoyed that Bennett didn't get more reps. Honestly? If your third-string QB is getting reps in the regular season, your season is probably over anyway. The Rams finished 10-7 and made it to the Divisional Round. They lost a heartbreaker to the Eagles (22-28), but they were in it.
What’s Next for the Rams QB Room?
As we head into the 2025 offseason, the story remains the same but with higher stakes. Stafford has already said he’s coming back. Jimmy G is back on another one-year deal. The stability is there, which is rare in the NFL.
If you’re a Rams fan or a fantasy manager looking at this room, here is what you need to take away:
- Stafford is still the engine. Don't let the age fool you. As long as he can stand, he's a top-10 passer in this league.
- Handcuffing is essential. If you're looking at the Rams' offensive production, Jimmy Garoppolo is one of the most valuable backups in the league because he doesn't require McVay to change the playbook.
- The Bennett experiment is ongoing. Don't write him off, but don't expect him to leapfrog a healthy Jimmy G anytime soon.
The 2024 season proved that the Rams have finally learned their lesson from 2022. They won't be caught without a plan B again. Whether it’s a veteran like Jimmy or a gritty kid like Stetson, the infrastructure is built to survive a Stafford absence. But let’s be real—everyone in LA is praying they never have to use it.
Actionable Insights for Rams Followers:
Keep a close eye on the offensive line health in the 2025 preseason. The QB performance in 2024 was directly tied to the availability of guys like Kevin Dotson and Alaric Jackson. If the protection holds, the "old" QB room will continue to look like one of the smartest in the NFL.