Alright, so get this: Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, the Rams’ No. 13 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, just wrapped up a pretty efficient preseason, but it looks like he is locked in as the third-string guy heading into the regular season. This dude put up some solid numbers, yet he is apparently starting his NFL career way down the depth chart behind Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett IV. That’s wild for a guy picked so high.
Simpson’s Preseason Numbers Are Getting Hard to Ignore
Simpson played a half in the final preseason game, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. That’s a strong stat line, and it was super similar to his first preseason outing against the Chiefs, where he completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Overall for the preseason, he was straight up productive: 47-of-60 passes completed, a blistering 78.3% for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and not a single interception. He showed he can make quick reads and deliver short passes with good timing and accuracy, completing 12 of his first 13 passes in Thursday’s game, even if none of them went for more than 10 yards.
The Depth Chart Shock: Bennett Locks Up QB2
Despite all those impressive stats, it’s pretty clear Bennett has locked up the Rams’ backup quarterback job. Simpson only got the start on Thursday because Stafford and Bennett rested. That’s a strong indication of where things stand. It is rare for a quarterback drafted as high as No. 13 overall to be third on the depth chart at the start of the season, but that is exactly how it looks for Simpson. He has spent most of the preseason just taking what the defense gives him, and doing it quickly. He has to take smart chances downfield when they pop up, but that is part of why he is probably sitting this season out.
Big Plays and Missed Shots: What the Finale Revealed
Simpson’s best play of the whole preseason, hands down, came on the Rams’ first touchdown Thursday. He felt the pressure, escaped the pocket to his left, and then, moving on the run, he spun his body and fired a sweet throw to Brennan Presley for the score. That play alone showed off the athleticism that made him a high draft pick. But it wasn’t perfect; the offense had some missed opportunities to score more. After a fumble recovery at the Chargers’ 14-yard line, they only gained five yards and settled for a field goal. Later, they drove to the 1-yard line but got stuffed on consecutive runs on third and fourth down. Those weren’t all his fault, but touchdowns there would have looked better. Coming out of Alabama, one of the knocks on Simpson was his lack of experience, with only 15 starts last season. Being able to sit and learn for a bit? That is probably for the best right now.
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.
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