LOS ANGELES — The Stetson Bennett experience last preseason was a little like the old Tower of Terror at Disneyland. Lurching changes of direction, stomach-altering drops, levitating ups, but ultimately a safe landing.
In both his appearances last August, the Rams’ second-year quarterback ultimately led the team to game-winning drives. He had to overcome five collective interceptions to get the job done, but it was enough chutzpa to convince the Rams to keep him as a third quarterback.
Some of that thrill-park performance a year ago was the product of limited practice time. With both Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo ahead of him, Bennett was limited to running the offense during developmental periods at the end of each practice. During the season, Bennett only threw against air, then walked laps around the field with quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone to get some mental reps after everyone else had returned to the locker room.
But this summer, with Stafford nursing an aggravated disc in his back, Bennett has run the second-team offense and shown how much he has grown entering his third season.
Gone are the days of holding onto the ball, staring across the field, unsure when to release the ball. Bennett is making quick decisions, whether it’s to find a receiver or take off with his feet. And he’s making difficult throws with better technique, staying grounded through the release.
“I feel like I’m more confident in what we’re trying to do offensively and just trusting the guys and trusting myself and it feels better,” Bennett said. “A lot of work, a lot of reps and I think that’s the only place it can come from.”
Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys will give Bennett an opportunity to showcase that growth, but also the joy that head coach Sean McVay has noted him playing with during training camp.
“I think it’s more fun when you’re playing well. That’s just the blunt point of it,” Bennett said. “I think that’s where it stems from and the fact that I know that it’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point and there’s going to be a lot of hard work that it takes to get to the next point I want to get to. But I’m able to sit back and say, alright, that was a good play and we worked for it and it’s ok to celebrate it.”
Here are some other things Rams fans should watch ahead of Saturday’s preseason opener:
Offensive line depth
With most starters expected to rest, this weekend will be a prime opportunity for the competing depth pieces along the offensive line to make a statement for a roster spot.
The interior of the second-team line has been a pretty steady rotation between Beaux Limmer, Justin Dedich, Dylan McMahon and K.T. Leveston. McMahon has been sidelined lately by an ankle injury, while Limmer has been unable to play center as he deals with an elbow injury. With McMahon not expected to play Saturday, Dedich is the likely second-team center with Limmer and Leveston flanking him.
With McVay saying that veteran tackle D.J. Humphries is not expected to play Saturday, Warren McClendon and David Quessenberry are competing for the fourth tackle spot on the roster. Both have switched between the right and the left sides during camp, and whoever can prove they have more versatility may have the edge come cut day.
Rookies
TE Terrance Ferguson is unlikely to play as he rehabs a groin injury, but Saturday will give the first glimpse at WR Konata Mumpfield and RB Jarquez Hunter in the offense. Hunter’s speed has been apparent in practice settings and he could spark something for the offense.
Secondary
Perhaps the fiercest competition left on the roster is at the back of the cornerback depth chart. Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes feel like locks to make the roster. After that, there are a number of players vying for either one or two roster spots.
Josh Wallace and Charles Woods impressed as undrafted rookies a year ago. Derion Kendrick is back after tearing his ACL last camp and has had moments where he looks like his pre-surgery self. And Shaun Jolly and Cam Lampkin have had good moments in coverage this camp.