Herrmann Signs On as Rams’ 1-Man Backup Quarterback Corps

The best-laid plans of the Rams having gone awry; Mark Herrmann signed Wednesday as their backup quarterback.

Their only backup. Which means that if Jim Everett has to come out of Sunday’s game against Green Bay, the Ram offense will be guided by a guy who didn’t play a down during the exhibition season.

The Rams gambled when they released quarterbacks Steve Dils and Hugh Millen on Monday. Millen was immediately picked up by the Atlanta Falcons, something the Rams expected. But they didn’t expect Dils to be picked up by the same team. The plan was for Dils to clear waivers and to re-sign with the Rams.

Bad plan, perhaps, if you’re the Rams. If you’re Mark Herrmann, the odd-man-out in the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback derby (Gary Hogeboom, Chris Chandler and Jack Trudeau), nothing could be sweeter.

“It’s crazy how things worked out,” he said.

No kidding. With the Rams desperate for an experienced backup, especially one with experience in offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese’s system, Herrmann recognized he “had very good leverage.”

He used it to a get a two-year deal worth a reported $250,000 the first year and $270,000 the second.

“I’m fairly happy with the way things worked out,” Herrmann said with a sizable grin.

The Rams intended to get Herrmann anyway, but initially as a No. 3 quarterback behind Dils. He was with the Chargers and Zampese in 1985 and 1986. He had an exceptional 1985 season, when he completed 132 of 201 passes (66%) for 1,537 yards.

“They (the Rams) had been in contact with me Sunday,” Herrmann said. “The way I saw it they intended to carry three (quarterbacks).”

The Rams still might. Coach John Robinson indicated Tuesday that the team might try to sign a third quarterback at some point.

But for now, the Rams have Everett and Herrmann, who helped recruit Everett to Purdue. While at Purdue, Herrmann set nine National Collegiate Athletic Assn. records. He became the first college quarterback to throw for more than 9,000 yards (9,946).

But in his first three professional seasons (1982-84) with Denver and Baltimore-Indianapolis, he saw little time, playing in only seven games.

Things got better when the Colts traded him to the Chargers after the ’84 season. He had the good year in ‘85, and the next season, Zampese’s last at San Diego, he completed 53% of his passes (51 for 97) for 627 yards as Dan Fouts’ backup.

“I’m comfortable in Ernie’s offense,” Herrmann said. “I think it’s the one that’s best for my skills. Quick passes, getting the ball to a lot of different receivers.”

In ‘87, Herrmann saw less action with the Chargers, and by the start of ’88 was struggling to see any time at all while trying to make it with the Colts.

“The first 3 1/2 weeks of practice I was getting a lot of work,” he said. “But after that, nothing.”

Because he didn’t play during the exhibition season, he said he’s more concerned about re-learning mechanics and footwork than picking up Zampese’s system.

“I think he feels comfortable in this (offense),” Robinson said. “You can see that he gets rid of the ball quickly and easily. He’s one of the parts that fits.”

Herrmann also has to pick up the principles of the Ram running game. He spent the first portion of Wednesday’s practice handing off to running backs.

“Hopefully, by the end of the week, I’ll be in shape in case I have to play Sunday.”

Punter Dale Hatcher was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, along with running back Tim Tyrrell.

Hatcher injured his knee during agility drills on the first day of camp. With Hatcher gone for at least four games, the Rams agreed to terms with former New England Patriots punter Rich Camarillo.

Camarillo is in his eighth season and is a one-time Pro-Bowl selection. But he was cut after averaging, he said, 35 yards a punt during the exhibition season.

“I didn’t think it was fair,” he said. “I had given them seven good years and they based it all on a few kicks in the preseason.”

Camarillo averaged 40.1 yards per punt last season, fourth best in the AFC.

“We feel very fortunate to get a very good punter like Rich,” Robinson said.

Without any punter for Wednesday’s practice, kicker Mike Lansford had to handle the punting duties during special team drills.

Camarillo, originally from Pico Rivera, said he always wanted to return to Southern California. But how long will he remain?

Hatcher said he was told by Robinson, “that as soon as you’re healthy the job is yours.”

Camarillo said: “I don’t want a temporary job. I want to have a good four games and see what happens after that.”

Ram Notes

Without Dils, the team’s holder on field goal attempts, tight end Pete Holohan took over at that position. A search for a backup for Holohan has begun. Mark Herrmann has never held. Rich Camarillo is a possibility. Kicker Mike Lansford presented another possibility, the drop-kick. “It’s still legal. I’ll bring it back. I’m telling you, I’m good at it. . . . Even though he was reassured by Coach John Robinson, punter Dale Hatcher seemed distraught Wednesday. Last week, he was hopeful he would be ready for the season opener at Green Bay, but Saturday, he punted and his left knee stiffened on him. His limp was so noticeable Wednesday that Robinson said, “It just wouldn’t be right to make him punt.” Hatcher said he will not make the trip to Green Bay. “Coach Robinson asked me if I wanted to go, but I said no,” Hatcher said. “It’s too hard to sit back and watch.”