The Rams’ recently released depth chart clearly placed Stetson Bennett as the team’s second quarterback and first-round pick Ty Simpson as their third, but don’t let that fool you. Head coach Sean McVay threw a curveball into the team’s QB plans for Thursday’s game against the 49ers, flat out stating that the situation is far less clear than that official document suggests. It looks like the battle for the backup spot is heating up, and McVay is not afraid to keep us guessing right up until kickoff.
McVay’s “2A, 2B” Declaration Shakes Up The Depth Chart
This isn’t your average, clean-cut depth chart, is it? McVay made it abundantly clear that he sees Bennett and Simpson on “equal footing” when it comes to being the “next man up” behind Matthew Stafford. He’s so undecided, he even admitted he hasn’t made a decision about who will actually be active for the upcoming 49ers game. Can you believe that? A coach this close to Week 1, and the backup QB slot is still a mystery. “I’ll tell you when I decide who is going to be the actual two in the game,” McVay told the team’s website. He added, “I look at it as the 2A, 2B and we’ll see how we approach the game.” That “2A, 2B” line? That’s not just coach-speak. That’s a sign of a real, live competition where both guys are pushing each other hard. It means they’re both putting in the work, training like they’re going to start, which can only be good for the team’s overall readiness.
The Fluidity of the Backup Spot: A Season-Long Watch?
What’s even wilder is McVay’s outlook on the *entire* season regarding this backup position. He’s not committing to anything long-term, saying he doesn’t “want to necessarily say that whatever we do in Week 1 is how it stays throughout the year.” That tells you everything, right? This isn’t a one-and-done decision. The backup QB spot could be incredibly fluid, potentially changing week to week depending on performance or practice. Imagine the pressure on both Bennett and Simpson, knowing that even if one gets the nod for Thursday, it’s not a guarantee for the long haul. The Rams, like any team with a veteran starter, are absolutely hoping that neither Bennett nor Simpson sees the field outside of garbage time between now and February. But we all know how the NFL goes. Injuries happen, and having a reliable, ready-to-go backup is critical. This “2A, 2B” situation could be a huge factor if Stafford misses time.
The real test for this “2A, 2B” scenario kicks off Thursday against the 49ers. While the Rams are praying Stafford stays healthy, the true story of who’s the dependable No. 2 will begin to unfold right there on the sideline. Which guy will get the helmet, and what does that choice signal for the rest of the season? We’ll be watching to see how McVay actually approaches the game with his two backups.
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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