Rams’ Matthew Stafford: Stetson Bennett’s Development is ‘Fun To Be a Part Of!’
Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett both played quarterback at the University of Georgia, but the two Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks don't have a long-standing relationship.
Stafford last played for the Bulldogs in 2008. So while he's certainly appreciative of Bennett leading his alma matter to consecutive College Football Playoff National Championship victories, it's not as though they were even close to overlapping collegiately or working with the same coaching staffs.
Still, Stafford says his relationship with the rookie quarterback -- who he's obviously gotten to know much better this summer -- is progressing well.
“Oh, it's been good," Stafford said. "I really only briefly met him once before we drafted him, but he's like all the other young guys on this team, man, just trying to figure it out and trying to figure out what it's like to be an NFL player, where to be, what to do and continue to try to kind of carve his way, which is fun to see and fun to be a part of."
Stafford didn't play in the team's first preseason tilt with the Los Angeles Chargers last Saturday, which gave Bennett an extended look under center. Bennett was critical of himself, acknowledging that he had some "bonehead plays" in a 34-17 loss. But while he did throw two passes that could have been picked off, Bennett had some impressive moments as well, ultimately completing 17 of 29 pass attempts for 191 yards and a touchdown.
Veteran Brett Rypien is currently slated to be Stafford's backup. It's possible that if Stafford is able to stay healthy in his third season with the Rams, 2023 will turn into something of a redshirt year for Bennett.
Then again, Stafford was limited to just nine games a season ago, and the 35-year-old has taken quite a beating during his 14-year career. If he does miss any extended period of time, one would think that coach Sean McVay and the Rams would like to see what Bennett could do with an opportunity to play in his rookie season, especially given that he's already going to turn 26 in October.
For the time being, Stafford seems to be getting quite a bit of joy out of watching Bennett -- and the 13 other rookies that the Rams drafted this year -- go through the grind of NFL Training Camp for the first time.
"He's a really talented kid, runs around, makes plays, throws it great, but he's like every other rookie," Stafford said of Bennett. "They're just doing the best they can to try and figure stuff out as quickly as possible.”
You can follow Tim Kelly @TimKellySports on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!
