The Los Angeles Rams shut out the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, and Stetson Bennett made a huge statement. With Sean McVay’s usual strategy of resting starters, it was a battle for 53-man roster spots among the bottom half of the team, and Bennett definitely grabbed the spotlight.
Bennett’s Wheels Light Up the Backup QB Race
Talk about making a case! Bennett got the bulk of the snaps, navigating an offense that cranked out three rushing touchdowns total, with *two* coming from his own legs! His arm stats were decent at 19/31 for 181 yards, but that mobility in the red zone was electric. He actively scored, not just avoided mistakes. This performance wasn’t just about making the 53-man roster, it seriously beefed up his standing as Matthew Stafford’s primary backup heading into the regular season. For Ty Simpson, though, it’s gotta sting. He didn’t play poorly, but with Bennett eating up all those snaps, Simpson’s path to dethroning him for that backup gig just got tougher. Every rep matters in the preseason, and Bennett owned this week.
Skill Players and the O-Line Bring the Heat
It wasn’t just a QB show. Jarquez Hunter was under pressure after Dean Connors’ strong Week 1 in the RB3 battle, and Hunter delivered big time. He tore up the Saints’ defense, rushing 12 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, averaging a wild 5.7 yards per carry. Huge stock up! Then there’s CJ Daniels, quiet in Week 1, who exploded in Week 2 with 8 receptions on 13 targets for 68 yards. Getting the bulk of the targets signaled the organization wants to see his ability, and Daniels showed out. Huge props to the backup Offensive Line too. They threw the ball 43 times and didn’t allow a single sack! Plus, they carved out lanes for 151 rushing yards at a sweet 5.0 yards per rush average. That’s how you make a statement!
Defense Delivers Big Plays for Roster Spots
On defense, a few guys really stepped up. Cam Lampkin, pushing hard for the 53-man roster, made his case strong with 6 tackles (2 solo) and two clutch pass deflections. Al’zillion Hamilton showed serious flash, grabbing an interception and leading the defense with 6 tackles (4 solo). While the article thinks he might not make the roster, he’s definitely catching eyes for an NFL team. And Alex Cook? Joined midway through training camp and just pulled off a 100-yard pick-six! That’s a ‘tremendous boost’ to your stock in anyone’s playbook.
So what’s next? It’s the final week of preseason, and for many, their last chance to prove they belong. With performances like these, Bennett, Hunter, Daniels, Lampkin, Hamilton, and Cook are all screaming for a spot. The stakes are sky-high, and it’s gonna be wild to see who makes the cut after such a dominant Week 2 display!
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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