Not all Rams fans will love what Sean McVay just said about Stetson Bennett

When fans make up their minds about a player, it takes tremendous effort to move them from that opinion. Players change. Rookies gain experience. Veterans age. An NFL career is not a still image that we can capture and use to describe a player throughout their career. So it goes for Stetson Bennett, the Los Angeles Rams' third-year quarterback who finally seems to be warm and fuzzy with his role in the NFL.

LA soundly defeated the Dallas Cowboys in their first preseason game. It was a solid offensive display from Bennett in the 31-21 victory, the type of performance that looks better and better the deeper you dive into it.

This game was all about Bennett's redemption in the eyes of fans who are still lobbying for the team to release him. Even those who cheer for the team don't always find themselves cheering for Bennett. Perhaps that will change after seeing what Rams HC Sean McVay had to say about him.

Sean McVay just gave Steton Bennett haters something to chew on

Even though the 27-year-old didn't throw for 400 yards, he didn't need to. He stood tall in the pocket, kept his eyes locked downfield, squared his shoulders, and threw 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a game in which he connected with nine different receivers.

Bennett looked good. He looked like the player at Georgia who was winning national titles with Kirby Smart and the Dawgs. And for the crew who's been rooting against the guy, you're not going to love what McVay had to say about his performance:

"Stetson (Bennett) was awesome. And really, I think that the amount of reps that he's been able to get, whether you go through his spring or especially in training camp. If there is one positive from Matthew (Stafford) not being there is that both Jimmy (Garoppolo) and Stetson (Bennett) have been able to get some reps....

But the overall command? I thought he really got through some progressions really well today. He hit (WR) Drake Stoops on a backside end cut. He was seeing the field really well. Even just being able to hit (WR) Brennan Presley on that corner on the keeper down in the tight Red (Zone) area.

He did a great job of executing on the third and one, hitting the little escape route off the boot(leg). He was awesome, and I love how he responded after... That was a heckuva pick that they made when we tried to push the ball downfield. But he was awesome, and he was totally present, and I loved what I saw from him." - Rams HC Sean McVay praising Stetson Bennett

Up to the Rams' first preseason game, NFL analysts have concocted crazy trade scenarios that address a perceived need for the team to add a new quarterback. Could you truly entertain any trade by which they would want to acquire Dallas' Joe Milton or Indianapolis' Daniel Jones today?

And while those scenarios border on laughable, there is a tangible interest in the fan base to bring in a new quarterback. The team's current 2026 draft stockpile is at its most valuable since hiring McVay in 2017. Until now, fans have presumed that the team is quietly building up its war chest to spend big on a post-Stafford quarterback in this upcoming draft.

But is the need for a rookie quarterback so great if Bennett continues to shine? LA has invested years into developing him. McVay didn't seem to fetter his praises. Bennett demonstrated the same innovation and gutsy competitiveness that prompted the team to trade for Stafford back in 2021.

Fans who do not want a future with Bennett aren't going to be happy with the praise. Those are the words of a coach who is telling the NFL, "This is my guy," and not the speech of a team seeking to upgrade anytime soon.

As always, thanks for reading.

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