The Los Angeles Rams invited a quarterback controversy. The time of reckoning is now.
If LA would have ignored the backup quarterback position as they had done in recent years, there would be no conversation. Instead, this year is different. They drafted Ty Simpson thirteenth overall.
With the Rams currently holding a 2-4 record and tied for last place in the NFC West with the lowly Arizona Cardinals, the playoffs are far out of reach barring a dramatic reversal in overall team performance. This is a losing team. At some point you must accept who you are and decide who should be part of the turnaround next year.
Matthew Stafford won’t be back in 2027. He looks like a shell of his MVP form from a year ago. Stafford can’t mitigate pressure, be consistently accurate, take care of the football, or complete a deep pass to save his life.
Tiptoeing around Stafford’s mulled retirement in order to avoid rocking the boat does not help the team. Learning what Simpson is capable of and whether he is a viable long term option is of the upmost importance.
Simpson is the future. Stafford was at his best a decade ago. It’s time for change.
The whole idea was that Simpson was supposed to sit behind Stafford for a year and learn from one of the game’s best. What is Stafford teaching him now? How to lose to a 1-4 team? That you can turn the ball over every single week and keep your job?
Simpson proved in the preseason—despite its low stakes—that he is ready. He avoided pressure in the pocket, displayed his mobility, demonstrated his decision making and processing upside, and looked poised even in the face of adversity.
Stafford is currently somewhere around the 14-17th best quarterback in football. Are we sure Simpson couldn’t be better, even if rookie mistakes are expected? It’s a low bar to clear, and Simpson’s running ability brings a high floor to the table.
Stafford’s struggles seem different this time. He has made mistakes in the past but played well enough to overcome them. That’s not happening this time around. It’s mostly all downside with little to make up for it.
We know what Stafford is capable of. It’s obvious he’s not putting his best on display. At his age, it’s unlikely he can regain form.
2026 is becoming a lost season. Finding the franchise quarterback of the future would give this year purpose. That’s why it’s time to start Ty Simpson.