Instant Reaction: Stetson Bennett, Rams Defense Shine in 34-0 Win vs. Saints

The Los Angeles Rams got a second consecutive win in the preseason following a dominant performance against the New Orleans Saints. Stetson Bennett led four first-half scoring drives while the defense led the way on the other side in a 34-0 win.

Heading into Saturday's game against the Saints, all eyes were on the backup quarterback battle for the Rams. After only playing two drives last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Stetson Bennett started and played the entire first half on Saturday.

WIth more playing time on Saturday, Bennett was able to settle in. While his first drive ended in a punt, Bennett’s next four resulted in scores. Rolling right on the play-action bootleg, Bennett used his legs to find the corner of the end zone and score, giving the Rams a 10-0 lead.

On the next drive, Bennett once again used his legs on 3rd-and-7 in the red zone to break the pocket and score. Those are the plays that head coach Sean McVay will appreciate. McVay understands that’s a strength in Bennett’s game and he showed that on the two touchdowns.

If the Rams had opened up the competition for the backup quarterback spot, Bennett was certainly going to make Ty Simpson earn it. Bennett finished his day 19-for-31 for 181 yards and had two rushing touchdowns while leading the offense to 20 points in the first half. He may have had some throws sail on him, but for the most part, Bennett was very good and showed a willingness to push the ball down the field.

Simpson mostly picked up where he left off showing the same comfort in the offense. The rookie pushed the ball downfield and made some plays with his legs. However, with the game script the way it was, Simpson only went 8-for-12 for 73 yards.

If anything, Saturday showed why the quarterback competition has been the way it was all summer. When Bennett was given an extended look, his preseason experience over the last three years showed.

While the focus may have been on the quarterback battle, it was the defense that stole the show. Through three quarters the defense had a shutout and forced three turnovers. Alex Cook returned an interception 100-yards for a touchdown on the first drive of the second half.

Two drives later, with the Saints driving in the red zone again, Wesley Bailey punched the ball out to force another turnover. Bailey also had a sack earlier in the game. In the first half, Al’Zillion Hamilton recorded an interception after forcing a pass breakup last week.

Much like last week, the Rams got about what they wanted out of this preseason game. While they may have wanted to see more out of Simpson, the game-script made it difficult. Still, the Rams came out of the game healthy and their focus remains Week 1. The Rams will wrap up the preseason next week at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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