If preseason video games are supposed to give a glimpse of what’s forward, the Los Angeles Rams could have caught a telling preview on Saturday evening at SoFi Stadium. Stetson Bennett IV, as soon as an underdog out of Georgia, delivered the form of efficiency that screamed “future starter.” In the meantime, franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford’s absence stays the staff’s most urgent and puzzling storyline.
Bennett performed the form of recreation that turns heads. Within the Rams’ 23-22 win over the Chargers, he accomplished 28 of 40 passes for 324 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 108.8 QB ranking, capping the evening with main the Rams to a recreation successful drive and throwing an eight-yard game-winning landing to Tru Edwards within the remaining 15 seconds. The drive confirmed each trait coaches need in a quarterback — composure, communication and confidence.
He had earlier showcased his arm energy with a 38 yard laser to Mario Williams for a landing, then bounced again after an interception to steer the Rams down the sector when it issues most, particularly throwing up a 40 yard dot to Brennan Presley on 4th and 10 with 19 seconds left within the recreation, speak about having guts.
Maybe the defining picture of the evening got here when Bennett, after taking a giant hit, rose to his ft, flexed, and locked eyes with the Chargers sideline. It wasn’t only a landing drive — it was an announcement that gave ‘I am right here’ power.
The previous 2 time Nationwide Champion from Georgia who as soon as walked on is beginning to appear to be he belongs underneath the brightest lights within the NFL and is right here to remain.
Stetson Bennett forcing Rams to contemplate him an choice amid Stafford uncertainty
Whereas Bennett was dazzling, Stafford’s state of affairs hovered like a darkish cloud. The 37-year-old quarterback has been sidelined with a lingering again situation, reportedly tied to a disc drawback. Although he threw over 60 passes in a managed session earlier in camp, he hasn’t practiced in weeks and has but to look in joint practices or preseason video games.
The Rams have provided little readability. After Saturday’s win, nice deferred inquiries to Sean McVay, who has likewise remained tight lipped about Stafford’s availability. For now, Stafford is no doubt nonetheless the QB1, however but you continue to should marvel how unhealthy is his this lingering again situation.
And that silence is sparking extra hypothesis, Is that this simply warning with a veteran quarterback? Or one thing extra ominous — a setback with long-term implications? With Stafford’s age and historical past of accidents, the shortage of transparency solely fuels doubt about whether or not he’ll be prepared for Week 1.
Bennett, nevertheless, generally is a beacon of hope as Saturday proved he is greater than only a developmental venture now — he is proving able to working Sean McVay’s offense whereas additionally successful in crunch time. With Stafford’s wholesome seemingly in limbo and the Rams’ 2025 hopes hinging on the veteran, although, LA faces a tricky resolution with Bennett and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo because the backups.
For now, the Rams dwell in two realities. In a single, a younger quarterback is rising with aura and substance. Within the different, a franchise quarterback lingers in uncertainty. Till Stafford’s standing is clarified, the Rams’ short-term outlook will stay cloudy, however on Saturday evening, at the least, the longer term appeared prefer it was already sporting No. 13.
