The Los Angeles Rams are having one of the worst seasons for a defending Super Bowl champion in recent memory.
The Rams have struggled to do anything well this season, which is why they are 3-9.
Injuries have played a big factor in the derailment of the Rams’ season.
They lost wide receiver, Cooper Kupp, in Week 10 and he is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Then quarterback Matthew Stafford was put on injured reserve, ending his season as well.
So in a lost season, the Rams still made an interesting move by claiming former Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
This move may seem strange, but it makes plenty of sense for the Rams.
They do not have a starting NFL quarterback on their active roster.
And while Mayfield may not be one either, at least he has plenty of experience starting.
Also, the long-term injury concerns for Stafford are significant enough that Mayfield can be a stable backup.
The Rams have even said that Mayfield might be ready to play on Thursday night.
Despite only being a part of the team for two days, Mayfield might just get thrown into the fire in LA.
Source: Rams want to go through pregame warmups tonight and see how John Wolford – who is listed as questionable with a neck injury – is doing before deciding who will start at QB. If Wolford is not healthy enough to play, Baker Mayfield would be in line to start vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/p1rK5kvEnq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2022
Optimizing Mayfield
Rams head coach Sean McVay has always been an impressive offensive mind.
He took Jared Goff and Stafford to the Super Bowl.
Now we get a chance to see what McVay can do with Mayfield.
Even though we have seen enough of Mayfield to know he is a backup at best in the NFL.
Maybe McVay can help pull the best out of Mayfield and turn him into a capable starter.
Even if he does not play Thursday night, Mayfield will most likely start the rest of the games this season.
This may be his final chance to show he can play in this league.
NEXT: NFL Analyst Shares How Quickly The Rams Have Fallen