It only took 1 practice at camp for this Rams controversial player to shock fans

Invariably, the Los Angeles Rams seem to face one player or coach who, for one reason or another, is the target of unwarranted vitriol from an enclave of irate fans. I first began to notice the pattern with former quarterback Jared Goff, but it has persisted to include WR Tutu Atwell, DC Raheem Morris, ILB Troy Reeder, and even young QB Stetson Bennett.

I understand that fans want the team to succeed. And I also understand that when it comes down to disappointment, it can be a coping mechanism to channel frustration at one person rather than take the more logical approach and investigate the complexities of losing or making unfortunate plays.

Players and coaches may have a bad play or game, but the beauty of playing on an NFL team is that other teammates are on the field too, and should be able to rally around a teammate. That is exactly what happened to Rams young quarterback, Stetson Bennett, in two preseason games in 2024. Despite competing in just two games, Bennett completed 41 of 69 passes for 437 yards.

And despite throwing five interceptions, the defense rallied in both games to nullify the damage. And that effort allowed Bennett to make two game-winning touchdown throws to win his two preseason games. And before you get stuck on five interceptions, keep in mind that Bennett was playing with many receivers who never made the Rams roster.

Bennett's back baby, better than ever

By all rights, this is more akin to Bennett's second season with the Rams than his third season. After an inconsistent rookie training camp and preseason, Bennett stepped away from the game and had to do a bit of soul-searching. Over time, he reclaimed his passion for the game and returned to showcase a fiery competition once more.

But a year away from the gams made him rusty. Now, after a full season working with the team, all that rust is gone, and he is in the best football form of his life. Not just with his football presence and decision-making, but by sculpting his physique with more muscular armor.

The Rams have not surrendered to fan pressure to cut Bennett loose and try again from square one with a new rookie. Keep in mind that the Rams drafted Stetson Bennett in Round 4 of the 2023 NFL Draft and that Bennett led the Georgia Bulldogs to repeat as NCAA College Football Champions for two consecutive seasons.

Like it or not, the Rams love passionate players, and Bennett is passion personified. It may have been preseason, but with the game on the line, Bennett showcased the very competitive elements that attracted the Rams front office to select him. He is not the biggest quarterback. Nor is he a quarterback with the strongest arm.

But Stetson Bennett is as competitive as HC Sean McVay, and perhaps more so. That makes him incredibly dangerous on the football field and in this Rams offense.

It only took 1 practice at Rams training camp for Bennett to shock fans

Because QB Stetson Bennett worked with non-starters last season, he developed some excellent chemistry with rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington. It was that chemistry that ensured that Whittington would make the 53-man Rams roster, despite it being a crowded and competitive wide receiver room.

Well, that chemistry has not faded. With Stafford working with trainers to eliminate back soreness, Stetson Bennett was handed the reins to the Rams' second-string offense to compete against the Rams' first-string defense. And sure enough, Bennett found a way to thread the needle to find his favorite target, Jordan Whittington, despite double coverage:

It's only training camp. It's just one play. If you are dead-set on diminishing Bennett's efforts and performance, no evidence will change your mind. And opinions don't matter. Right now, it's about checking the boxes for coaches, and Stetson Bennett is checking all the boxes with Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on the first day of training camp.

" I thought Stetson (Bennett) came in and really managed the second offense really well. There was a lot of instances where he was going against the first group. I thought he was good with his decision-making, showed some good movement.

I thought he changed his arm slot and was able to get the ball where the coverage dictated. I was pleased with Stetson. [Rams Quarterback Coach] Dave [Ragone] does an excellent job with our quarterbacks as a whole, and I thought both those guys (Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett) did a nice job today."

Rams HC Sean McVay

While the Rams have many options open for any changes to the quarterback room in the future, it should not be lost that a great training camp and preseason by QB Stetson Bennett could open up a new universe of possibilities in the 2026 NFL Draft for the team.

Bennett may be the backup to the backup today. But in one year, he could be the solution to the Rams quarterback conundrum. Stay tuned, as this is starting to get very interesting. And as always, thanks for reading.

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