The Los Angeles Rams’ preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints generated significant media attention surrounding quarterback Stetson Bennett’s performance, but closer examination reveals the excitement may be misplaced. While Bennett’s statistics appeared impressive on paper, his actual execution told a different story on the field.
Bennett struggled with accuracy throughout the contest, frequently throwing behind receivers in motion and allowing passes to sail off target. His decision-making left multiple scoring opportunities unrealized, a concerning pattern that has emerged over the past two weeks. Against a preseason defense, these mistakes may be overlooked, but they signal deeper issues with his throwing mechanics and timing that would likely prove problematic against starting-caliber competition.
The backup quarterback situation in Los Angeles remains unsettled, with neither Bennett nor rookie Ty Simpson demonstrating the consistency required to reliably fill in for Matthew Stafford. Simpson has shown his own struggles, particularly throwing downfield, while Bennett’s mobility remains a strength but insufficient to overcome his passing deficiencies. For a team competing in a competitive division, lacking a dependable backup quarterback represents a notable roster weakness.
The Rams invested heavily in offensive talent this offseason, but the question of quarterback depth lingers. While either player could survive a game or two, neither appears capable of sustaining the team’s performance during an extended absence from Stafford, potentially complicating playoff aspirations in a demanding NFC West.
