4 telling observations from Stetson Bennett's preseason showing vs Cowboys

You might think that the Los Angeles Rams have all of their roster decisions made for the most part. On paper, many starters and rotational players know that they have made the roster by sitting out the first preseason game. But that is not the case for third-year quarterback Stetson Bennett.

He understood that as soon as the NFL season flipped to 2025, he would start preseason games. Honestly, I don't think that he would want it any other way. Bennett loves football, and in the preseason, he is the starting quarterback from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.

The Rams’ preseason approach on offense is to rotate players out once they’ve had their share of work. While that benefits both the players and the coaching staff, it complicates Bennett’s job, forcing him to adjust to a new set of offensive weapons rotating in around him.

4 telling observations from Stetson Bennett's impressive preseason showing vs Cowboys

(4) Stetson Bennett had to face Cowboys without 2024's favorite weapon

There is something to be said about continuity, and the truth is that you could just tell that Bennett missed one of his favorite receivers from the 2024 preseason, Jordan Whittington. As both teams warmed up on the football field, WR Jordan Whittington remained in street clothes.

Thankfully, another favorite, WR Xavier Smith, was active. Smith was one of the Rams' most effective receivers, hauling in three of three Bennett passes for 55 yards. Another favorite from 2024, TE Davis Allen, added two of two catches for 17 yards.

One of the eagerly anticipated appearances in this game was rookie WR Konata Mumpfield. But Mumpfield and Bennett struggled to connect, as he was only able to haul in two of five passes thrown his way. One incompletion appeared to be ripped out of his hands as Bennett threaded a pass between two defensive backs, resulting in an interception.

(3) Love him or hate him, he appeared comfortable in the pocket

The third-year pro may not be everyone's cup of tea. But he is the guy the Rams are going with, and he showed up in this one. Keep in mind that he ran an offense with a kaleidoscope of offensive linemen, receivers, and running backs. The only common element throughout the entirety of the game was Bennett under center.

And just as his teammate, RB Blake Corum connected for two rushing touchdowns, Bennett threw for two touchdowns for the first time in his NFL career. This is his first TD pass:

And this is his second touchdown pass.

On both plays, he had his eyes locked downfield, squared his shoulders, and let a pass fly with authority. The 27-year-old is having fun in this one, and his teammates are all around him.

(2) For now, he is the future QB of the franchise

The way this game aligned, this game was a quarterback duel between Joe Milton III and Bennett. It was Milton's cannon of an arm against the undeniable competitive edge of Bennett. LA's signal-caller was clearly the better quarterback. Milton completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Bennett connected on 16 of 24 passes for 188 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Better still, he never panicked. He didn't always have his best weapons around him, but he did manage to complete passes to nine different receivers.

(1) Rams' trust in Bennett was justified

Bennett kept his eyes looking downfield, placed himself in position to make solid throws, and was able to execute long touchdown drives of 79, 64, 54, and 59 yards, respectively. The offense stalled on just two drives, and the team scored four of five times in the red zone.

The Rams were in control of this one the entire game. Whenever Dallas mounted any type of offensive rally, the Horns found a way to answer back. LA has placed a lot of trust in Bennett so far. In Game 1 of the 2025 preseason, he without a doubt earned that trust.

As always, thanks for reading.

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