Turf Show Times
The most anticipated battle of Los Angeles Rams training camp will be the competition for the backup role behind Matthew Stafford.
First-round pick Ty Simpson impressed those in attendance, including former Rams beat writer Vinny Bonsignore of the New York Post:
There was quiet satisfaction inside the Rams building with how Simpson handled being thrown into the deep end by McVay on Sunday.
Splitting reps with Bennett, Simpson was the sharper, more efficient quarterback on Day One.
Not perfect – he forced a sideline throw into double coverage while on the move that could have been picked – but the mistake was balanced by flashes of poise, command, mobility and a willingness to push the ball downfield. When his first reads were covered, he worked to secondary options and kept plays alive.
For a rookie facing a loaded defense, it was a clean start…
That’s why Simpson’s first day mattered. Not just for his throws, but for how he ran the offense
We know that fourth-year quarterback Stetson Bennett was under center for most of the first-team reps. If Simpson continues to outshine Bennett, we could see the mix change in the coming weeks.
It’s also important not to get ahead of ourselves. All eyes will be on the quarterback position when the national media rolls into town. Simpson will have bad days sprinkled in with the good. There will be days where Bennett is the better player. We can’t put too much stock into a single outing—especially when it’s the first day.
But if Sunday was any indication, Simpson is on a path to overtaking Bennett and earn the backup role behind Stafford.
Such an outcome would be a massive benefit to Los Angeles. In a year where there are probably more good players than available roster spots—which could get further crunched by Aaron Donald returning to the team—keeping only two quarterbacks would allow more depth at a position of need. LA could find it useful to carry an extra linebacker, running back, or corner—especially as they renew their commitment to special teams.
I personally wasn’t expecting headlines that Simpson “shined” on the first day of camp. It’s welcome news and a possible sign of things to come. It’s going to take more than one good day in order to unseat Bennett.
Stay tuned.
