Is LA Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett playing today against the Texans?

What do you think of when you consider backup quarterback Stetson Bennett under center for the LA Rams football team in preseason? Based on the gist of meaning from fans commenting on social media, there is not a warm and fuzzy about the guy just yet. And if the Rams offensive line does their job through the course of the 2024 NFL season, and impeccably protects Matthew Stafford, that view may not change for some time.

But is that fair?

Of course, Bennett has been a bit rusty so far in preseason. He has thrown five interceptions, lost a fumble, and offset that by throwing the football 437 yards and throwing two touchdowns. The turnovers are trending in the right way right now. But his ability to throw passes that end up in the hands of Rams receivers, while finding the endzone with a late pass to comeback and win the game, has remained steady and consistent.

There are some teams that have played as many as four preseason games. And yet, Bennett continues to lead all NFL quarterbacks in preseason passing yards with 437 yards, And he has only played in two games.

Did you know that San Francisco 49ers played in two preseason games, completed 11 if 18 passes for 107 yards, no touchdowns and one interception? He is a starting quarterback who competed in last year's Super Bowl, and he was playing with the 49ers starters in preseason.

Bennett is competing with players who may not even make the LA Rams roster. And yet, he is leading the NFL in passing in just two games, completing 41 of 69 passes for 437 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. And he was away from the game for a year. Is he 'there' yet? Perhaps not. But it's pretty clear based on the performances of many Marquis NFL quarterbacks that preseason is not about mid-season form. And yet, Bennett is competing as fiercely as anyone.

Why he may sit in Game 3:

The LA Rams enter Game 3 with a bit of a conundrum. The team knows that veteran backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will sit out the first two games of the upcoming NFL season due to a league-imposed suspension. That means that Bennett will be the team's backup quaterback in those first two games. And if the team has been so cautious about injuries to players like RB Ronnie Rivers and WR Tutu Atwell, then there is certainly justification for benching Bennett.

If anything goes amiss with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford in Weeks 1 and 2, Bennett becomes the guy under center.

As far as workload? Bennett has tossed 69 passes in preseason so far. And he has completed 41 of those passes. Both stats lead the NFL in preseason so far, including teams that have played three or four preseason games. And so, his body of work in the preseason has been relatively intense and productive.

If the Rams wish to bubble wrap him for Weeks 1 and 2 to ensure a healthy backup, now is the time to act.

Why he may play in Game 3:

The LA Rams have already painted themselves into the corner for Game 3. By giving veteran backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo the option to sit in preseason, despite opening the 2024 NFL season with a two-game suspension, the team really has no alternative. The team, by matter of competing for the final roster spots, will want to see more from offensive weapons. That means that the team will need to avoid handing the reins over to QB Dresser Winn.

This game will be all Stetson Bennett, again.

But this is not some form of 'go to your room,' punishment for misbehaving. Bennett needs this game, if for no other reason than to lay all doubts to rest. He stands at a crossroads, flashing both disaster and brilliance, at quarterbacking in the NFL.

While he has made some errors, he has not done so out of a lack of caring about the game. He continues to scrap and fight. It's no random coincidence that both rookie WR Jordan Whittington and second-year WR Xavier Smith are making such strong cases in preseason for spots on the Rams roster. Thanks to Bennett, they are catching everything in sight.

Is Stetson Bennett playing for the Rams in Game 3 to face the Houston Texans? While almost a certainty before the game, it won't happen. The Rams will start reserve QB Dresser Winn. So, you should tune in and catch the game today. You see, I suspect that Stetson Bennett is saving his best for last. Rams HC Sean McVay confirmed that Stetson Bennett will be the Rams backup quarterback in Weeks 1 and 2.

Bennett's dream of playing in the NFL continues. Thanks for reading.