Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson continued to producer quality reps in the finale, taking the first-half snaps and delivering efficient results. Simpson went 18 of 23 for 119 yards and tossed a touchdown, continuing a positive preseason arc as he acclimates to the Rams’ offense. The young signal-caller entered the game in a quarterback competition for the backup spot behind Matthew Stafford, with Stetson Bennett IV also in the mix for the role. The Rams have stated they will carry three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster, but the definitive backup behind Stafford for Week 1 had not yet been set by McVay.
Postgame, Simpson reflected on his development during the preseason, noting incremental improvement as he gained more time with the system. He credited the opportunity to work closely with Bennett and Stafford for accelerating his learning curve. “I felt like I got better throughout the preseason,” Simpson said. “With more time, more reps, understanding, learning from Stetson and Matthew, I’m really excited.” His stat line for the preseason includes three touchdown passes and no interceptions, and he demonstrated the mobility to create plays outside the pocket during Thursday’s game.
Simpson’s lone scoring play in the finale came on an 11-yard hookup with Brennan Presley. Facing pressure, Simpson rolled left and delivered a strike to Presley for six points. When discussing the TD, Simpson explained that it was a case of recognizing favorable matchups and letting his receivers make plays: “I knew it was going to be man coverage, had some miscommunication, just trying to stay out of bad play. BP did a good job of playing football, got open, and I just tried to get good players the ball.”
Reflecting on the preseason as a whole, Simpson highlighted the team’s mentality of finishing without a loss and continuing to build a cohesive unit. He praised the Rams’ approach to treating each scrimmage like a real game and performing with complementary football across the lineup.
Selected 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Simpson signed a four-year, $25.4 million fully guaranteed contract with the Rams. He concluded his college career at Alabama with 3,948 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, and the Rams clearly view him as a high-ceiling prospect capable of contributing in the near term.
Stetson Bennett, meanwhile, remains in the mix for the backup job. Bennett brings significant experience with the Rams’ system, entering his fourth season with the club. Across two preseason outings, Bennett completed 23 of 37 passes for 219 yards and accounted for two rushing touchdowns. He has used his experience to compete effectively for the backup role, providing a veteran presence alongside the young Simpson.
Simpson’s impressive preseason numbers—47 of 60 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions—mirror Bennett’s efficiency and demonstrate that both quarterbacks have contributed meaningfully to the competition. McVay has publicly stated that the team will carry all three quarterbacks, underscoring the organization’s belief in both Simpson and Bennett. The Rams’ approach suggests a plan to determine Stafford’s primary backup in the lead-up to the regular season, including how they handle travel and roster needs for early-season games.
The upcoming regular-season opener features a notable matchup: the Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. That game will play a crucial role in deciding which quarterback ultimately serves as Stafford’s primary backup in Week 1. Regardless of the final decision, Simpson’s preseason experience has been invaluable, giving him a deeper understanding of the Rams’ offense and how to operate within McVay’s system. His progress will remain a key storyline as the Rams transition from preseason preparations to the rigors of the regular season, with both he and Bennett contributing in various capacities depending on the team’s Week 1 roster decisions.
In summary, the Rams’ preseason run culminated in a clean sweep, and the quarterback competition remains nuanced and competitive. Simpson finished with a standout run in the finale and a strong preseason overall, while Bennett offered veteran steadiness and performance in his appearances. McVay’s confidence in both players highlights a deliberate approach to ensuring depth at the quarterback position, with the ultimate aim of maximizing Stafford’s effectiveness and keeping the team competitive across the entire season.
As the Rams shift from exhibition play to the regular season, the quarterback dynamic will continue to develop. The organization has options that could shape how they approach Week 1 and beyond, with the ultimate goal of optimizing offense while safeguarding the traditional strengths that have defined McVay’s tenure. The 2026 season presents an opportunity for Rams fans to watch two young quarterbacks push for a meaningful role while learning from a veteran in Stafford, all while aiming for sustained success in a competitive NFC landscape.
