What We Learned About Rams’ Backup Quarterback Battle vs. Saints

For the first time all summer, it seemed like the Los Angeles Rams had finally acknowledged that they had a backup quarterback battle on their hands this week. Throughout much of training camp and the offseason program, Stetson Bennett had taken all of the backup quarterback reps.

However, that changed this week. During Thursday’s joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, Bennett and Simpson split the backup reps. While head coach Sean McVay noted that it was simply due to a lack of overall reps in the practice, it was still notable.

Rams Finally Acknowledge the Backup Quarterback Battle

Before Saturday’s game against the Saints, the Rams broadcast crew, consisting of J.B. Long, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Rob Havenstein, brought up the quarterback battle. Given that they are hired by the team, it’s safe to say that’s how the situation was viewed internally as well.

In the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, it was uncertain whether Bennett would play, but he ended up with two drives. Against the Saints, Bennett got the entire first half while Simpson took the second half. After Bennett got just two drives the week before, it said a lot that the Rams increased his workload to a full half on Saturday.

Again, it seemed like the Rams were finally acknowledging that they had a legitimate competition. It was that, or they wanted to remind everyone why Bennett was listed higher on the depth chart.

Stetson Bennett Reminds Rams Why He’s QB2

Bennett finished 19-for-31 for 181 yards and scrambled for two touchdowns. While he had a few throws sail on him, for the most part he looked poised and the offense moved with ease. It was a strong reminder that Bennett has three years of experience playing in the preseason.. He’s done this and played well before.

Saturday was a good look into why the Rams have had Bennett as the backup for most of the offseason. When he settled in after the first drive, Bennett was able to find his rhythm. He consistently hit receivers outside the numbers and showed the ability to make plays with his legs.

Ty Simpson Still Has Ground to Make Up

Meanwhile, Simpson is still growing and that was evident. The game script certainly did him no favors, but he wasn’t as accurate as he had been against the Chiefs. Simpson didn’t appear as comfortable in the pocket. That’s not to say he played poorly. He had a really nice throw to Tru Edwards outside the numbers along the sideline. However, there seemed to be just a bit more hesitancy.

If anything, Saturday complicated the backup quarterback situation even more.It’s very similar to the 2022 season when the Rams started John Wolford ahead of Baker Mayfield shortly after signing Mayfield. Wolford was more experienced in the offense and the Rams weren’t wrong for having him as the backup and ahead of Mayfield. However, with the game on the line, who do the Rams want on the field?

Rams’ Backup Quarterback Battle Remains Unsettled

In a worst case scenario and Matthew Stafford is injured, who would the Rams prefer to turn to? Bennett has more experience in the offense, but Simpson simply provides more upside. That’s not a knock on Bennett at all. However, the Rams took Simpson 13th overall for a reason. If the Rams had to turn to one of their backup quarterbacks in a game, you would hope they would go with the first-round pick with more upside. The dynamics of that becomes very difficult if the Rams continue to list Smpson behind Bennett.

It will be interesting to see how the Rams handle the quarterback reps next week. Following this performance, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams have seen enough of Bennett and if Simpson gets a majority of the work against the Los Angeles Chargers. The only question will be whether the Rams give Matthew Caldwell any action, as they have done with Dresser Winn in the past, or if Simpson plays the full game.

Much like last week, Saturday’s game against the Saints didn’t decide the backup quarterback battle. It simply reminded us that there’s more to the competition than just what we see in the preseason. The Rams have watched these two quarterbacks all summer and Simpson is still growing. How Simpson continues to progress and learn week-to-week remains more important than a backup quarterback competition.

Even if the Rams did finally acknowledge that they might have a competition on their hands, Saturday didn’t provide a winner. It did, however, serve as a reminder. Bennett reminded everyone why he’s held that QB2 job all summer. Simpson may overtake him eventually, but that may not be before Week 1.

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