Rams’ Herrmann Wants to Stick Around
The Rams shelled out big bucks--$850,000 over two years--to employ quarterback Chuck Long as a backup to starter Jim Everett this season.
But if the former Iowa standout is considered the Long-term insurance policy for the Rams, quarterback Mark Herrmann hopes he’s the equivalent of $1,000 the Rams are hiding under their mattress in case things really go wrong.
Keeping Herrmann might not be such a bad investment, even though the Rams haven’t been bullish on the quarterback market lately. The team has elected to keep only two quarterbacks in recent years, but Herrmann is making a big push for the Rams to retain three quarterbacks this season.
Last week in West Berlin, Herrmann completed 5 of 6 passes for 59 yards in about a quarter of work to help the Rams defeat the Chiefs. Saturday night in Anaheim Stadium, Herrmann had another strong game, completing 8 of 16 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 30-27 loss to the San Diego Chargers.
Asked if Herrmann solidified his position as a backup, Ram Coach John Robinson said, “That’s not something I can answer or discuss.” But he did add that “we would consider keeping three quarterbacks.”
So, there’s still a chance for Herrmann, and his play in the Rams’ remaining two exhibition games against Phoenix and Washington will go a long way toward determining his future--or, rather, if he has a future--with the Rams.
“I’ve always believed you should keep three quarterbacks, because if something happens to one, you’re out looking on the street for another,” Rams quarterback coach Dick Coury said. “There’s a chance we’ll keep three. I’m not sure what the coach will do, but it will be a battle down to the end for that backup spot.”
Herrmann entered the game in the second half with the Rams trailing, 17-0 and promptly led the Rams on a 13-play, 80-yard drive that ended with his 14-yard touchdown pass to Robert Delpino. That cut the Chargers’ lead to 17-7.
Herrmann completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards on the drive, including an 18-yarder to Derrick Faison on a third-and-5 play from the Charger 38-yard line. Two of Herrmann’s incompletes were actually dropped passes.
“It felt good to finally get some points on the board,” Herrmann said. “The wide receivers made some nice plays and the line did a good job. San Diego has a heck of a pass rush.”
The Chargers went ahead, 24-21, midway through the fourth period, but Herrmann struck again, throwing another strike to Faison that the receiver couldn’t hold on to in the end zone. But, once again, the Chargers were called for interference, setting up another 1-yard touchdown run for Green and a 27-24 Rams lead.
“I wasn’t surprised he played so well,” Coury said of Herrmann. “He has always played well when he goes into a game. He knows the offense darn well, and the players have a lot of confidence in him. He came close to bringing us back.”
Coury believes Herrmann’s experience, even though he may not be as talented as Long, will work to his advantage.
“Chuck is not as familiar with the offense, and if someone had to go in right now, Mark would be ahead of Chuck,” Coury said. “At the same time, all three can play in this league.”
Herrmann only hopes they’re all playing for the same team.
