'Absolutely not': Sean McVay's indecision on Rams' QB2 is starting to feel real

For a while now, it has seemed quite likely, if not nearly decided, that Stetson Bennett would be the Los Angeles Rams' backup quarterback this season. He dominated second-team reps in training camp and first-team reps when Matthew Stafford took a seat. 

Even after Ty Simpson's outstanding preseason debut, it seemed reactionary to claim that the QB2 competition was suddenly back at square one, in a wide-open battle. Bennett followed up with a less efficient but still solid performance of his own in Game 2. 

And yet, head coach Sean McVay remains firmly noncommittal on a QB2 verdict.

"No, no, no, absolutely not," McVay said when asked whether he'd reached a decision or informed Bennett and Simpson of their regular-season roles. "We haven't decided that yet." 

This late in the preseason, it's time to walk back any argument that Bennett is entrenched as the backup.

Rams' QB2 battle remains in legitimate question

McVay's tone sure doesn't sound like mere coach speak. At all. McVay isn't exactly one to wear a poker face during media sessions. He isn't hemming or hawing, trying to beat around the bush. He seems genuinely undecided.

McVay has reiterated his noncommittal stance every time the question comes up. It no longer feels justified to brush it off. Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers is 16 days away. This isn't a situation of it being 'too early to say.' 

The Rams HC acknowledged how different circumstances are compared to this time last year. Jimmy Garoppolo was Stafford's backup from Day 1, no questions asked. Bennett isn't Garoppolo, who has started 64 games and been to a Super Bowl. Bennett hasn't played a regular-season snap. 

Tellingly, McVay is also undecided on whether Bennett will play in the preseason finale. The Rams don't play key contributors in the preseason as a matter of principle. That rule is even more rigid in the final game. 

It's also telling that, after Bennett played two series in Game 1, McVay gave him the whole first half against the Saints - the opposite of what you'd expect were the race already decided. Although McVay complimented Bennett's outing - 19-of-31 passing for 181 yards, a 77.5 passer rating, and two rushing touchdowns - it apparently wasn't enough to rule him out for Game 3. 

It feels fair to give Bennett the upper hand moving forward. He has more experience in McVay's system than Simpson does, and more football experience in general. It wouldn't be fair to continue acting as if he's got the job locked up or even close to it.

McVay has repeatedly and candidly told us as much. It's time we start listening. 

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