RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Since returning to the Los Angeles Rams after stepping away as a rookie, backup quarterback Stetson Bennett has had a slow and quiet rise within the organization, juxtaposed with a prolific collegiate career that included winning two National Championships. However, Bennett could be reaching his peak as he closes in on the team's QB2 job, while being mentioned by others as a candidate to be traded.
The reason behind Bennett's professional success, despite a variety of hurdles, is his ability to be at his best when the lights are brightest. In preseason games that Bennett has started since 2024, the Rams are 6-0. Head coach Sean McVay was asked about how his project quarterback is able to play at another level, following the team's win on Saturday.
“I agree with that," said McVay. "I thought he used his legs as a weapon, which we talked about a little bit with you guys last week. I think those are the things that don't necessarily come to life in some of the practice settings. The fourth-down play that he made was unbelievable. We got a little roll pass on, they got a slot pressure. For him to be able to pull up and make that throw to allow us to be able to run underneath that, that was an incredible throw and catch. Great job by Tyler Scott. Really, I was happy with Stetson and I thought Ty (Simpson) did a great job managing the reps that he had as well.”
McVay couldn't stop praising Bennett for his play, especially the use of his legs. When asked about Bennett's growth from preseason to preseason, the head coach loved the decisive action taken. Bennett threw for 181 yards and rushed for two touchdowns in the 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints .
“Yeah, I think so," said McVay. "I think he’s getting better and better. I think part of it is the overall command. I thought he made some really good decisions. I thought he got through some progressions. Then I love the fact that he used his legs. We'll learn from reaching the ball out on the end zone even though I challenged that and it worked out for us. We want to make sure that we don't leave ourselves susceptible to getting a fumble in those types of situations where it goes to a touchback. But he did a great job. I thought he got an opportunity to be able to really showcase a lot of his skills. Huge credit to Dave Ragone too. I think those two guys were really in sync and it was fun to watch.”
McVay would go on to credit quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone for his work with Bennett, along with the influence of Matthew Stafford and former backup Jimmy Garoppolo, as driving forces behind the quarterback's development. Despite not having the reps to improve last season because of his role as the QB3, Bennett stayed vigilant, taking mental reps in preparation for his next opportunity.
"He's an easy guy to be able to root for," said McVay. "He's just got a nice swag and a nice presence and especially like what we asked earlier, you feel his game really comes to life in game-day settings. The gamer thing, he's just got a good feel and it's not too big. He loves competing and it's fun to watch him do it.”
McVay did not say if Bennett will play in the preseason finale. He is currently competing with first-round rookie Ty Simpson for the QB2 job. It's clear that Bennett did everything he could to secure the role, as Saturday may have been his final outing of the preseason – and possibly for the Rams.
Bennett will be a free agent at the end of the season if the Rams don't extend him.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay shares his thoughts on Stetson Bennett's impressive game vs. Saints
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