Matthew Stafford, the 2025 NFL MVP, is locked in for his 18th season as the Rams’ starting quarterback, but the biggest question mark for LA right now is sitting right behind him on the depth chart. The team invested a 2026 first-round draft pick in Ty Simpson, yet Stetson Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round choice, is still on the roster. Neither guy has any regular season experience, leaving a lot of fans wondering who is the best option if Stafford were to get hurt. Well, after training camp and two preseason games, this job is still a razor-thin race.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: It’s a Photo Finish
Okay, so here’s the deal: based purely on preseason stats, nobody’s got a clear lead. It’s incredibly close.
Let’s look at the numbers through two games:
- Stetson Bennett: 23/37 (62.2% completion), 219 yards, 5.9 YPA, 2 total TDs, 78.5 passer rating, 69.2 PFF Grade
- Ty Simpson: 29/37 (78.4% completion), 263 yards, 7.1 YPA, 2 TDs, 114.3 passer rating, 65.8 PFF Grade
Talk about a photo finish! Simpson’s completion percentage and yards per attempt really jump out, showing some serious efficiency. But Bennett isn’t far behind and actually edges out Simpson slightly in PFF Grade. It makes sense why Rams fans are stressed.
Experience Versus Upside: The Battle for QB2
Stetson Bennett, the “incumbent,” definitely has some weight behind him. He walked into training camp as QB2 primarily because he knows Sean McVay’s system and playbook cold. Four seasons deep, he totally gets the terminology, the protections, the timing, and the whole offensive vibe. The Rams have poured years into developing him, and that experience absolutely matters if Matthew Stafford has to miss any time. Bennett also had a solid 2025 NFL preseason, even if he was stuck behind Jimmy Garoppolo back then. Plus, Bennett’s seen more action via joint practices and preseason games, giving him a leg up on reading NFL coverages, even if it is not always against an opposing defense’s best players.
Then you’ve got Ty Simpson, the new blood, with his case being pretty simple: massive upside. Simpson brings physical tools and mobility that could seriously give Sean McVay another dimension when plays break down. While Bennett has more time in the Rams’ system, Simpson probably has the higher ceiling. One of Simpson’s strong suits in his college film is his quick processing, which is a key staple for McVay’s rhythm and timing offense. Is Simpson’s processing better than Bennett’s? It might be, and that quick eye manipulation is something coaches crave.
What’s Next for the Rams’ Backup Spot?
So, where does this leave us? The prediction out there is Bennett probably snags the QB2 job to kick off the regular season, unless the Rams can swing a trade for him. It’s a classic battle of experience versus raw potential. With Matthew Stafford heading into his 18th year, having a reliable backup ready to roll is a huge deal for the Rams. Whoever wins, they better be ready. The regular season is about to drop, and you know anything can happen to a veteran quarterback.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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