Ty Simpson Can Force Rams’ Hand in Backup QB Battle With Strong Performance vs. Saints

Throughout much of training camp, the Los Angeles Rams appeared to have a backup quarterback battle between Stetson Bennett and first-round pick Ty Simpson. However, while the media covered it like an active position battle, it became increasingly clear that the Rams didn’t view it that way at all.

The Rams have had an unconventional rotation at quarterback throughout the summer with Matthew Stafford practicing every other day. Still, on days in which Stafford didn’t practice, Bennett led the first-team offense while Simpson got the reps with the backups. When Stafford did practice, Bennett led the second-team and Simpson’s reps were more limited.

It was never a situation in which Bennett and Simpson were splitting the reps as the QB2. There was a clear pecking order and Bennett was in the lead. The priority for the Rams was bringing Simpson along at his own pace rather than focusing on an unnecessary position battle at the backup quarterback spot.

With that said, it may be a competition that the Rams can no longer ignore. During the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, there was a clear gap between Bennett and Simpson, and it wasn’t the one reflected on the depth chart. Simpson went 21-for-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns while Bennett looked uninspiring in his two drives.

Rams Never Treated QB2 Like a True Competition

For much of training camp, the Rams could somewhat hide Simpson and Bennett from the national media and public eye. That was not the case after last Saturday’s preseason game against the Chiefs. If Simpson follows up that performance against the New Orleans Saints, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify keeping him behind Bennett.

This appears to be something on the mind of the Rams’ coaching staff as well. While the Rams have given Bennett all of the backup reps this offseason, that changed on Thursday. During Thursday’s joint practice, Bennett and Simpson split the backup reps. Bennett got 13 reps with the second-team offense while Simpson got 12.

After practice McVay was adamant that it was only because of a lack of available reps.

“It was exclusively because there were so many less reps,” said McVay. “Dave and I and the rest of the coaching staff will sit down and figure out how we want to approach the game once we're able to look at the film, but it was really more of a reflection of less reps and that's what that entailed.”

Rams Finally Open the Door for Ty Simpson

Even if it was due to a lack of reps, the Rams haven’t taken that approach all summer. It does seem notable as it is the first time since the start of training camp that the two have evenly split reps.

Nobody would have been surprised if Simpson had eventually surpassed Bennett by the end of the preseason. However, after the conclusion of training camp, it appeared that wasn’t going to be the case. The Rams consistently spoke glowingly about Bennett throughout camp.

Just as the Las Vegas Raiders’ tone has changed around Fernando Mendoza, the Rams’ tone has changed around Simpson. Throughout the entire draft process and majority of the offseason, the Raiders said that Mendoza wouldn’t play early in the season. Following the Raiders’ game on Thursday, head coach Klint Kubiak was not ready to name a starter.

Now, Simpson isn’t going to start over Stafford by any means. Still, McVay said on draft night that Simpson would compete with Bennett. Throughout camp, Bennett had been operating as the team’s backup quarterback. Heading into Saturday’s game against the Saints, that no longer appears to be as written in stone as it once was.

Ty Simpson Can Force the Rams’ Hand Against the Saints

Simpson’s performance against the Chiefs was certainly encouraging. The rookie appeared poised and comfortable in the offense as he threw with confidence and accuracy. For the most part, his technique and footwork were sound. If he follows that up with a strong performance against the Saints, the Rams will have a problem that they will no longer be able to ignore.

“Even when you just say, ‘Alright, looking at last week, Ty did a great job. Stetson did what he could.’ I think it is important to be able to get a fair opportunity for those guys to run the offense with enough snaps,” said McVay. “But more than anything, it's just playing real live football for a guy that hasn't played a lot of it other than preseason games.”

Rams May Have a Difficult QB2 Decision to Make

Heading into the offseason, it made sense for the Rams to make Simpson earn everything. Given that Bennett had been in the offense for three years, it made sense to respect his experience and place on the team as well. He sat behind Jimmy Garoppolo for two years and deserved the opportunity.

However, Simpson’s upside might be too hard to ignore, especially if he’s showing that he can operate the offense. It may have only been a preseason game against backup and back-of-the-depth-chart players. That also doesn’t mean that the performance didn’t matter. Had Simpson thrown two interceptions instead of two touchdowns, the narrative would be much different.

Saturday will be a good test for Simpson. It’s one thing to play well in his debut, but can he build on that and follow it up with another solid game? If Simpson can do that, the Rams may have to seriously consider making him the backup quarterback behind Stafford.

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