On Saturday Stetson Bennett will get the start at quarterback over new draftee Ty Simpson during the Rams first preseason game. Head coach Sean McVay revealed what he is hoping to see from both Bennett and Simpson during this game, and it will be crucial for Bennett to pay close attention as he continues to battle to become the Rams' backup quarterback this season.
"Really just good command by both those guys," McVay said via therams.com. "Consistently making good decisions, playing within the timing and rhythm of you know whatever that play is that Nate decides to call, and I want to see us get in and out of the huddle, good communication. There will be a lot of different guys that will be kind of rotating in, but I want Stetson to be able to do what he's done, and I want Ty to be able to do what he's done as well. It'll be fun watching both those guys play."
Stetson Bennett can end all hope for Ty Simpson, cement himself as Rams No. 1 backup
Throughout training camp it has been Stetson Bennett who has emerged as the Rams' preferred choice to be Matthew Stafford's backup this season. Camp isn't over yet though, and the Rams first preseason game on Saturday is both of their best opportunities to prove why they should be the No. 1 backup. For Bennett he needs to use this game to cement himself as the clear choice ahead of Simpson.
The Rams have chosen to limit Stafford throughout training camp, and during that time Bennett has stepped in to practice with the starters. There isn't anything he can do to pass Stafford on the depth chart, so the next best thing is securing the backup role. Right now it seems like he is No. 2 on the depth chart, and a stellar performance on Saturday can help decrease the chance of Simpson passing him.
McVay has made it clear what he is looking for from both quarterbacks, and he's also made it known that the competition to be Stafford's backup is still ongoing. Saturday however could mark the end of this competition if everything goes according to Bennett's plans.
Rams change of plans is what Stetson Bennett needed for his future
The Rams originally sounded like they were going to keep Bennett sidelined for Saturday's preseason game. Head coach Sean McVay however changed his mind and will start Bennett which not only is the best case scenario for this year but for his future as well.
Even if Bennett was benched he still could've been No. 2 on the Rams' depth chart. Last year the Rams sat Jimmy Garoppolo who was their backup the entire season, so if Bennett was sidelined he still could've been their backup. The opportunity to play on Saturday though will allow him to try and clinch the backup spot for good.
Bennett however needs to play well on Saturday to secure his future. Most NFL analysts believe the Rams will choose Simpson over Bennett after this season when Bennett's contract expires. This will send Bennett to free agency where he will hope to be signed by another team. Playing in the preseason will allow Bennett to show NFL organizations what he is capable of, and if he plays well enough it could help him earn a new contract next offseason.
Bennett and the Rams will take on he Kansas City Chiefs at 4:00 pm EST on Saturday, Aug. 15. It isn't clear how much playing time Bennett will get, but every snap he gets is critical for this season and his future in the NFL.
Add us as a preferred source on Google