Rams QB Battle: Can 'Excellent' Brett Rypien Beat Out Stetson Bennett as Stafford Backup?
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The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2023 NFL Draft with Matthew Stafford as the lone quarterback on the roster, prompting the question of who would become Stafford's backup.
Upon drafting former Georgia signal caller Stetson Bennett in the fourth round, the dilemma appeared solved - but as the Rams kick off OTAs, Bennett's path to the backup job may not be straightforward.
A few days after the draft, Los Angeles signed former Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien, who's served as a backup for each of the past three years.
The 26-year-old Rypien (pronounced Rip-in), who starred at Boise State en route to winning Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2018, has appeared in eight professional games with three starts, holding a 2-1 record.
Rypien has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 778 yards and four touchdowns across 130 attempts, but he's also tossed eight interceptions.
Perhaps more importantly, during the four weeks he's been in Los Angeles, the 6-2, 202-pound Rypien has made a strong impression on Stafford and Rams coach Sean McVay.
"Brett Rypien came in and he's done an excellent job," McVay said. "You can see a guy that's been in a similar system, has a good command, just great demeanor in the huddle and it's been fun."
Added Stafford: "‘Rip’ has done a nice job of stepping in and taking some of those reps and throw it great.”
Bennett and undrafted signal caller Dresser Winn have drawn praise for their ability to adapt to the professional level, but it's been Rypien's on-field prowess that has drawn praise from his peers.
Can things change? Almost certainly, especially as Bennett and Winn grow more comfortable and receive more freedom within the offense.
When Stafford was fully healthy last year, McVay primarily kept two quarterbacks - John Wolford being the other - on the active roster while Bryce Perkins held serve on the practice squad.
It's possible Los Angeles takes a similar approach this year, but who gets the nod as Stafford's backup? Bennett is largely the presumed favorite ... but don't count out Rypien amidst his "excellent" start.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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