There was a lot of uncertainty heading into the Rams’ Week 17 showdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Not only did they face question marks on who would be available to play, but a spot in the playoffs hung in the balance. Thankfully, Los Angeles had a secret weapon they hoped would give them an edge.
Alright, John Wolford may have not been a secret weapon, but his athletic abilities gave the Rams a fighting chance to keep their season alive just a little longer. Although Wolford didn’t dominate the turf, it’s hard to ignore his impressive and refreshing performance. After opening up his debut with an interception, it didn’t take long for the former Arizona Hotshot to settle in. He completed 22 of his 38 passes for 231 yards while adding 56 rushing yards on 6 carries en route to the team’s 18-7 win.
John Wolford is a BEAST 😤 @RamsNFL
📺 #AZvsLAR on CBS pic.twitter.com/BREHrPIq7z
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 4, 2021
Related: Aaron Donald Supports Quarterback John Wolford
What was really impressive from the 25-year old signal-caller was his ability to escape the pocket and extend the play, something Goff hasn’t been known to do. That kind of playmaking also inspired his teammates to give it their all as well.
Leonard Floyd said that watching John Wolford “ready to risk it all” to get the first down on that third and nine, initiating contact to get the extra yards, motivated the defense to get the ball back in his hands. They were fired up.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) January 4, 2021
Goff has seemed to run out of the support of many fans. After starting out the season strong, he has faltered as of late and has been careless with the ball, leading to numerous turnovers. While Wolford faced some criticism of his own before his first career start, fans have certainly come around.
John Wolford showed a lot of heart today. If Cam doesn’t fumble on the 1 and Everett doesn’t drop a few perfect passes we’d have blown the Cards out. I don’t think Wolford is the QB of the future but neither is Goff. I say let the kid start next week.
— Black Icarus (@SaddiSundiata) January 4, 2021
I think I love John Wolford
— Rams Tapes (@RamsTapes) January 4, 2021
https://twitter.com/Asterikis/status/1345851532055511045?s=20
John Wolford was everything the #Rams needed him to be. I would 100% roll with him into Seattle next week. No question at all.
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) January 4, 2021
Getting my John Wolford Jersey in the morning. @RamsNFL
— Brian Healy (@brianhealy0076) January 4, 2021
Is John Wolford the next coming of Kurt Warner? Is he replacing Goff as the Rams’ main QB? The answer to those questions is most likely no. Wolford only has one career start under his belt and will need more reps before the conversation of taking over the offense happens. Meanwhile, the Rams are still tied to Goff and his massive contract. However, the Rams shouldn’t just throw Wolford to the side once Goff is healthy enough to come back. His emergence could be a valuable asset to the offense with him serving in a similar role to that of the Saint’s Taysom Hill. While the Goff era is not coming to an end, the Wolford era may just be starting.
A similar situation happened in the 80s with Jim Everett and back up TJ Rubley.Everyone thought he should be the starter because he could run and extend plays but he wasn’t accurate and he relyed on running too much.Wolford may be better than TJ but needs more time to prove he’s better than Goff!