The Rams waited about as long as they could to name their backup quarterback, but they've finally given that honor to Stetson Bennett.
After the Rams drafted Ty Simpson in the first round of the NFL Draft this year it wasn't clear if he or Bennett would win the backup job. They were both given ample opportunities in training camp and during their three preseason games to win the job, but the Rams ultimately decided to go with Bennett heading into their season opener on Thursday.
Stetson Bennett did enough to overcome Ty Simpson's preseason performance
The second Simpson was drafted many NFL fans and analysts assumed he would be the Rams backup quarterback this season. Even though head coach Sean McVay said they would both have a chance to compete for the job many didn't want to give Bennett a chance.
Bennett has been doubted his entire career and he always seems to find a way to come out on top, and that once again is what happened. Bennett played particularly well in the Rams second preseason game this year and it feels like this was the moment he won the job because the Rams chose to rest him in their final preseason game.
The writing was on the wall for much longer than this though because Bennett was always taking reps in practice before Simpson. Bennett even got some reps with the first team in training camp while Simpson never did. Simpson had some positive moments throughout training camp, but he ultimately wasn't able to overcome Bennett.
Rams still have a big decision to make after this season
While Bennett has won the backup job entering the season he is not guaranteed to keep the job all year. He will have to continue to show he is the right man for the job because at any point the Rams could change their minds and name Simpson their backup instead.
Regardless of how this season unfolds the Rams will have a big decision to make next offseason. Bennett's contract with the Rams expires after this season while Simpson will still have three years left on his. The Rams could bring Bennett back on a new contract or they could let him walk and ride with Simpson going forward. At this point it's impossible to predict what will happen, but this year will determine what they decide to do.
If Bennett shows all year that he is significantly better than Simpson then the Rams may have no choice but to bring him back. The exact opposite could happen though and Simpson could prove he is much better than Bennett, and if that occurs Bennett's time in LA will most likely be done.
For now though Bennett needs to focus on this season. As the backup quarterback he will be just one play away from getting playing time during a regular season game for the first time of his career, and if he gets that opportunity he needs to take advantage of it to show the NFL world why he deserves a chance to be a full time starter.
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