Matthew Stafford wasn’t even on the field for the Rams’ first training camp practice on Sunday, and that immediately cranked up the pressure on his would-be heirs. The team’s plan to limit reps for their 38-year-old reigning NFL MVP meant all eyes were locked on Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, and fourth-year pro Stetson Bennett, battling it out for that crucial backup spot.
Stafford’s Plan and the Backup Stakes
This is big, right? Stafford, heading into his 18th season, is the most important player on a star-studded squad favored to win Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium. The Rams know what they have in him, but they also know what happens when your starting QB isn’t available. Remember last season when Stafford was sidelined with a back issue in camp? Bennett took second-team reps behind Jimmy Garoppolo back then. Now, with Garoppolo “enjoying retirement,” as the source puts it, the Rams are absolutely desperate for a capable signal-caller to step up if anything happens to Stafford. Nate Scheelhaase, their first-year offensive coordinator, is already putting it plainly: “We require so much of those guys… if you can’t get that right, it’s going to be hard to get anything right post snap. So that’s the starting point. That’s the foundation.” He’s not messing around.
Simpson’s Debut vs. Bennett’s Fight
So, how did the hopefuls do under that intense glare? Ty Simpson, who only started 15 games for Alabama, had a “quiet, workmanlike beginning.” He didn’t make any jaw-dropping plays, which honestly, is probably fine for a rookie’s first day. But he also didn’t make any major errors, which is huge. Simpson completed several short passes, with his deepest attempt going to tight end Terrance Ferguson. Not exactly fireworks, but a steady start.
Then there’s Stetson Bennett. This guy’s a competitor, Scheelhaase says it himself: “He competes… Anybody enjoys playing with a quarterback who competes, who’s going to throw it all in there, and that’s the mentality he has… That’s something that’s been kind of his calling card.” Bennett, who led Georgia to two national titles, completed several passes to guys like Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams. But he also had the lowlight of the day. His deep pass for Adams along the left sideline was tipped by new cornerback Jaylen Watson and picked off by safety Kamren Kinchens. That’s the kind of play that highlights the fine line these guys are walking.
This backup battle is just getting started, folks. With Stafford’s reps being limited, every single snap from Simpson and Bennett is going to be under the microscope. The Rams are aiming for a Super Bowl, and they need a reliable insurance policy under center. Keep an eye on how these two develop in camp; their performance could literally define the Rams’ season if Stafford ever has to sit out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply