How Stetson Bennett can win back his role on LA Rams roster

Shrug off bad plays to regroup instantly

Looking back on the 2023 NFL season, when did things turn so sour? In his first preseason game, his performance in the pocket seemed quite promising against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bennett completed 17 of 29 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown, while running two times for two yards. Of course, the Rams do not play known starters in preseason games, so the performance of Bennett throwing to depth players is even more impressive.

By the second preseason game, Bennett appeared to be more mortal. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 142 yards. This time, however, he did not throw a touchdown. Instead, he threw his first interception. Part of the reason for a less impressive outing was the fact that the team did not play rookie WR Puka Nacua in Game 2. That limited the already vanilla offense to one less playmaker.

In the third and final preseason game, Bennett had a forgettable outing. He completed just four of nine passes for 14 yards and two interceptions. It was his worst showing in Horns, but was it a result of injury, or something else? We know that Bennett was listed as having injured the shoulder of his throwing arm in the days leading up to Week 1. But was there something more?

It seemed as though Stetson Bennett grew less comfortable, rather than more comfortable, in the pocket as the preseason wore on. Of course, there was a huge difference when throwing to starters in training camp versus competing in preseason games with the second string players. But that is part of the process with this football team.

Now that he has endured the trial by fire, Bennett can prove to the coaches and to himself by shrugging off bad plays and games and simply committing to focus on the next opportunity. Many have concluded that the team is better off without Stetson Bennett as a distraction. But that's the thing. He never was a distraction. He removed himself to find the care and professional assistance away from the team.

Now he is back. And from where the Rams roster now stands, he has a vital part to play for this team if only for the first two games of the season as the primary back up as veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo serves his two-game suspension. The Rams have a vested interest in Stetson Bennett to succeed. that means a lot for the sake of the team's chances in 2024.

He has one year's worth of OTAs, training camp, and preseason games under his belt. And he has found the strength to get back into the fray and work himself hard to get back into football-playing shape. He deserves the chance to reclaim his spot on this team.