Bennett Stakes His Claim in Rams' Backup QB Battle

Stetson Bennett delivered a statement performance in the Los Angeles Rams' 34-0 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints, completing 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns in a first-half showcase. The performance prompted head coach Sean McVay to call him a "gamer," praising his poise and playmaking ability.

"You can feel his teammates enjoy him,” McVay said. "He's an easy guy to be able to root for. He's just got kind of a nice swag and a nice presence. His game comes to life in game-day settings—it's the gamer thing."

Bennett, the Rams' fourth-year quarterback, has yet to throw a pass in a game that counts in the NFL, but he has been here before. Two years ago, with Jimmy Garoppolo facing a PED suspension for the first two games of the regular season, the Rams were unsure if Bennett was ready to serve as the primary backup. Now, with Garoppolo gone and rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson waiting in the wings, Bennett appears to have solidified his hold on the No. 2 job.

McVay, however, was quick to praise the entire quarterback room, crediting quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone for Bennett's development. "I think he's getting better and better," McVay said. "I thought he made some really good decisions… I thought he got through some progressions. Then I love the fact that he used his legs."

Bennett's performance Saturday came after Simpson had turned heads with a strong showing in the team's first preseason game. Simpson completed 21-of-25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in that victory over the Chiefs, a stat line that has fueled debate about whether the Rams could part with Bennett via trade.

Against the Saints, Bennett looked sharp from the start, leading the Rams to touchdowns on his first two drives of the game, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Scott in which Bennett had to extend the play with his legs. "That was an incredible throw and catch," McVay said of the play.

Simpson Shows Promise in Extended Run

Ty Simpson, the Rams' first-round pick this year, entered the game midway through the third quarter and finished with 73 passing yards on 12 attempts while leading a touchdown drive. The rookie's most impressive work came against the Chiefs in the team's first preseason game, but he showed poise in his home debut, completing his first three passes before the drive stalled.

McVay said Bennett and Simpson would continue to split reps in practice and that the team would evaluate both players as they prepare for the regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The coach emphasized that Saturday's game plan was designed to give both players a chance to run the first-team offense.

Bennett, for his part, said he is more comfortable this year than in any previous season. "I feel better than I have in the past," Bennett said, according to multiple reports. "I've been in this offense for a while now, and I'm seeing the field clearly."

Trade Talk Swirls After Strong Preseason

The quarterback depth chart behind Matthew Stafford was already a topic of debate heading into the game, but Bennett's performance has only intensified speculation that he could be traded before the season begins. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky wrote on X that the Atlanta Falcons, who are set to open the season with Michael Penix Jr. as their starter, should consider trading for Bennett.

"The Falcons should try and trade a late pick for Stetson Bennett," Orlovsky wrote, according to Heavy.com, which was among the outlets that covered the quarterback's performance.

The Falcons are expected to be without Michael Penix Jr. for the start of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. The team also signed Tua Tagovailoa, who was cleared for full-team work Saturday after suffering the injury last season, giving them depth at the position. Bennett, who played his college ball at Georgia, would give the Falcons a capable backup and a familiar face in the NFC South.

The Rams also have a decision to make on defense, where they were led by five tackles each from Monty Rice, Azeez Hamilton, and Keir Thomas. Second-year defensive lineman Wesley Bailey also had a strong game, recording five tackles, three quarterback hits, a sack, and a forced fumble.

McVay said he was undecided on who would get the start at quarterback in the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, calling it a "competitive situation" that he would evaluate as the week goes on. He also said he expects both Bennett and Simpson to see significant playing time against the Chargers before the 49ers game on Sept. 13 in Australia.