The heat on Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson is absolutely cranked up before he’s even hit the field. You’d think preseason wouldn’t matter this much, but after what some other first-year signal callers have pulled off, Simpson’s expected NFL debut Saturday is under a microscope like never before. It’s not just about getting reps, it’s about trying to measure up against an unexpected early wave of talent.
Beck and Mendoza Set the Bar High
It all started with Carson Beck for the Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game last week. This dude went 15-of-19 for 188 yards and a touchdown! We’re talking pure poise and serious playmaking ability right out of the gate. Seriously, he looked so good that even though he got sidelined with a rib injury in their second preseason game, he’d already shown enough to be a potential starter for the Redbirds this season. That’s not just preseason hype, that’s real talk. It’s a bummer he didn’t get to play against the Raiders, because seeing him against Fernando Mendoza would’ve been appointment TV.
Then came Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick, who absolutely lived up to the hype as the reigning Heisman winner. Mendoza was rock-solid efficient, going 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a touchdown in almost three quarters of work. Sure, one game isn’t gonna unseat Kirk Cousins, but you can see why Vegas desperately needs that franchise quarterback, and Mendoza’s got all the makings.
Drew Allar Goes Off and Turns Up the Heat
But wait, there’s more! Thursday night, the Steelers’ Drew Allar went completely off against the Packers. After a shaky end to his Penn State career and an ankle injury, Allar just took command of head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense with ease. This former Nittany Lions star, taken 76th overall, dropped three total touchdowns in their 28-9 win over Green Bay. He even blasted a 74-yard throw on his very first drive, setting up his first score. His final stat line was bananas: 10-of-13 completions, 154 yards, three total touchdowns, and zero interceptions. That’s exceeding expectations, plain and simple.
So yeah, it’s preseason, we get it. But fair or not, Ty Simpson is going to be compared to these guys immediately after Saturday’s game in Kansas City. You know how social media is a cesspool of icy cold takes, right? If Simpson struggles, you can bet the “bust” talk is gonna erupt, and people will absolutely question the Rams’ judgment for picking him. And get this: TST’s JB Scott noted that Stetson Bennett, who’s also playing Saturday against the Chiefs, likely has a superior supporting cast. That just adds another layer of pressure to Simpson’s plate. When Simpson finally takes the field, he’ll be playing with guys who… well, let’s just say the stakes are impossibly high for his first impression. Rams fans better hope he delivers, because the internet is sharpening its knives.
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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