Walking into his fourth training camp, Stetson Bennett knew what awaited: a battle with rookie Ty Simpson for the backup job.
One week into practice, the anticipated Los Angeles Rams quarterback competition had already tilted in Bennett's favor.
Taking first- and second-team reps when Matthew Stafford rests, Bennett continues to impress the coaching staff, especially head coach Sean McVay, who calls the growth "a real positive" for the organization.
Sean McVay speaks on Stetson Bennett
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"I think Stetson Bennett has really capitalized on a lot of reps that he didn't get," McVay told reporters. "You look at it last year, he got a lot of reps with the twos when Jimmy (Garoppolo) was taking all those reps with the ones. But then once Matthew came back, he didn't get any reps at all. So for his ability to come in and be able to run one offense the way that he has, I've been really pleased with him."
Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick, spent his first three seasons buried on the depth chart, including two years behind Garoppolo learning the playbook and waiting for his chance.
That opportunity came this summer when the Rams did not re-sign Garoppolo. Bennett has delivered, showing a command of the offense and a confidence that wasn't there before.
"I'll tell you what, (quarterbacks coach) Dave (Ragone) deserves a ton of credit," McVay said. "I have been so impressed with what Stetson Bennett has done and the growth that he's had. I can feel his teammates want to root for him, and he's played really well through the offseason program up until now."
Simpson, the 2026 first-round pick out of Alabama, is considered the franchise's quarterback of the future. He has shown flashes of accuracy and playmaking ability but is still learning the playbook and needs more snaps — another edge for the more experienced Bennett.
The Rams are expected to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster this season, meaning the competition isn't about who makes the team, but who backs up the reigning MVP.
If the trend continues through training camp and the Rams' preseason, Bennett could enter Week 1 against the 49ers in Australia as the backup while Simpson develops as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart.
