It took one preseason game to reignite Rams quarterback controversy

To be honest, Los Angeles Rams fans can be very fickle at times. Before Ty Simpson looked like a seasoned veteran in his first preseason game, many openly questioned why he was drafted with the 13th pick.

After his 21-of-25 passing effort for 190 yards and two touchdowns, those same fans are wondering why he sits behind Stetson Bennett on the depth chart.

The controversy did not spring out of thin air. Bennett did play for one quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs. After missing his first pass to rookie receiver CJ Daniels, Bennett led the Horns on a 13-play, 73-yard drive to put the first three points on the scoreboard.

That drive stalled when Bennett failed to connect with tight end Max Klare on a third-and-goal from the six-yard line. The Rams sent out kicker Harrison Mevis to end the drive.

Simpson entered the game and mustered three points over the next two quarters.

Preseason games are an optical illusion. As the game wears on, the quality of competition diminishes. The names on the field in the second half are further down the depth chart than those on the field at kickoff. When Kansas City brought in players unlikely to make the team, Simpson struck.

Simspon's standout showing doesn't mean Bennett just lost his job

Kansas City lapped LA in the second and third quarters, kicking three field goals to the Rams' one in that span. Then Simpson turned up the heat in the final period.

Xavier Smith's 40-yard punt return set up the first Rams touchdown beautifully. Simpson only needed four plays to move his offense 23 yards for the score. Two passes, one to wide receiver Brennan Presley and a touchdown strike to running back Dean Connors, sandwiched a solid Connors run.

Simpson then led the Horns 87 yards in just eight plays for the game's final touchdown.

Simpson did what he had to do. He led the offense like a confident conductor, demolishing the Chiefs' third-and-fourth-string defense in the process. It was also one game against the less-than-best defenders on KC's roster.

Preseason is the NFL's version of a dress rehearsal. Both offensive and defensive strategies are bare-bones basic. It's more about poise, execution, discipline, and textbook application than innovation and tactics. Ultimately, Simpson passed his first test on an NFL field with flying colors.

But don't hand him his pilot's license just yet.

Some are calling for Simpson to leapfrog Bennett on the depth chart. Still others are once more demanding the Rams outright release Bennett. The chorus of controversy that had been squelched for several weeks is back, and it's picked up at a crescendo.

In reality, there is no quarterback controversy in LA. Simpson is no longer on the hot seat. There is nothing to indicate that Bennett has somehow taken his place there.

As always, thanks for reading.

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