Rams review: Stetson Bennett IV shines, splits halves with Ty Simpson

INGLEWOOD — Sean McVay switched things up compared to last week’s preseason game in Kansas City.

Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson technically got equal run, splitting halves as quarterback, during the Rams’ cruise-control 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 preseason action on Saturday afternoon as the Rams work on deciding who will begin the season as backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford. Last week, Bennett started and played just two series. This week, after Simpson emerged with a stellar performance against the Chiefs, the reins behind center were adjusted.

Bennett, 28, did little to change his standing as the primary quarterback with the second-string squad during training camp and the preseason. Bennett threw for 181 passing yards on 19-of-31 passing, scampering for a pair of rushing touchdowns during the first half to lead the Rams to a 20-0 lead.

“I thought really Stetson did a really good job in the first half,” McVay said, adding that the mindset for the game-time split came down to just wanting both Bennett and Simpson to get a half each.

He did most of what was expected, completing short passes to the likes of wide receivers CJ Daniels, Alex Bachman and Brennan Presley – and made his throw of the day on an off-balanced, lofted pass into the arms of Tyler Scott to hold on to a diving catch and a 16-yard reception to convert on fourth down.

“I saw T-Scott running, and I was like, ‘It’s fourth down. Just put it out there,’” Bennett said. “He’s so fast, he ran up under it and caught it.”

When the Rams took over with the ball with 1:34 remaining in the second quarter, Bennett successfully led a two-minute drill that ended with a Harrison Mevis field goal. In 10 plays and 77 yards, Bennett showcased the efficiency that the Rams have come to expect through his preseason outings over the last three years.

Few mistakes likely bode well for Bennett’s candidacy to replace Jimmy Garoppolo.

TY’S TURN. OR LACK THEREOF

Once Bennett made way for Simpson in the third quarter, the Rams’ first-rounder didn’t have much opportunity to make his mark.

Yes, he led a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter which ended on a 12-yard touchdown run from running back Jarquez Hunter (12 carries, 68 rushing yards), but Simpson only took the field for three drives and 25 plays.

In comparison to Bennett, who led 49 plays, Simpson got the short end of the playing-time stick.

“Definitely didn’t get as many opportunities as I did last week, but I felt like that I did what I needed to do, you know, made some throws here and there,” Simpson said, “but we got in the end zone, we put points on the board, and didn’t turn the ball over.”

The Alabama product, however, looked comfortable for the Rams for the second consecutive week and tallied 73 passing yards on 8-of-12 passing (three passes for double-digit yardage).

“I thought Ty did a nice job being efficient in the second half,” McVay said.

McVay said that he has yet to decide whether Simpson or Bennett would play in the Rams’ final preseason game on Thursday night (7 p.m. against the Chargers).

“Next time I (speak with the media) I’ll probably have a good idea of what we’re gonna do with that,” McVay said.

LOCAL KID GETS HIS SHINE

Bachman wasn’t on the Rams this time last week. He was in Texas, working at an office with friends who work in venture capitalism and private equity, on his personal business when his agent called.

Bachman was coming home. The Westlake Village native’s LinkedIn account deems him “the longest practice squad tenure in league history.”

Bachman, 30 and in his eighth year in the league, was officially signed on Tuesday. The Oaks Christian alumnus, who started his career with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2019, made quite a first impression against the Saints, making a tackle on special teams, tallying 48 receiving yards on four catches and handling punt return duties in the first half.

And it just so worked out that Bachman’s parents, who have since moved to Nashville, return to Southern California during August – just in time to see their son play at SoFi Stadium.

“The familiar is great,” Bachman told the Southern California News Group. “Obviously, the culture here; Sean’s been here for 10 years. It’s a stable organization. Everyone that leaves gets job promotions. So just seeing what they’ve been able to do here the last eight years, there’s always a part of me that was hoping for an opportunity to come back if the door was open.”

DEFENSIVE DOMINATION

Both of the Saints quarterbacks who played Saturday have had ample playing time in the NFL. Zach Wilson was the 2nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Spencer Rattler has started 14 games at quarterback for the Saints across the last two seasons. And yet, the Rams held the Saints scoreless Saturday.

Safety Alex Cook returned a pick-six for 100 yards in the third quarter off Rattler, while cornerback Al’zillion ‘AZ’ Hamilton intercepted a poor pass from Wilson in the second quarter – a consequence of miscommunication between the former BYU standout and his receiver.

Outside linebacker Wesley Bailey, however, was the standout performer from Saturday. The 25-year-old edge rusher recorded five tackles, three quarterback hits and shook off a blocker on the edge for an eight-yard sack of Wilson. In the third quarter, with the Saints in the red zone, Bailey punched the ball out from Saints running back Ty Chandler for a fumble.

“I got my first sack, so being able to do it on the next stage is definitely a blessing,” Bailey said, adding that the organization’s culture has set him up to succeed. “Definitely, just glad to be here.”

Bailey, in short, was everywhere for the Rams on defense.

“I thought he made his presence felt throughout the day,” McVay said of Bailey.

Elsewhere, just like last week, cornerback Cam Lampkin played well, helping to force a turnover on downs in the second quarter with a pass breakup.

EXTRA POINTS

McVay said that he had “no new updates” on Aaron Donald and his potential return from retirement. …

Monty Rice, Hamilton and Lampkin shared the team lead in tackles with six each on Saturday, while rookie wide receiver CJ Daniels led all wideouts with eight receptions for 68 yards.

Inside linebacker Daniel Rickert (knee) and OLB Keir Thomas II (groin) left the game with injuries and were ruled out from returning. … McVay did not have updates postgame on either player.