Rams Stetson Bennett's preseason will make everyone forget 2023 struggles

Stetson Bennett's preseason will make everyone forget 2023 struggles

The memory of some fans is a bit myopic. In 2023, Stetson Bennett's first preseason game was quite promising. In that first outing, he completed 17 of 29 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. It flashed enough to put Bennett on the watch list of rookies who might star in the 2023 NFL season. And just for comparison, Houston Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud completed two of four passes for 13 yards and one interception in that first preseason game. Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young completed four of six passes for 21 yards.

So there were good reasons for Bennett, and neither Stoud nor Young to be lauded after one week's worth of work in preseason.

Bennett has that type of flash in him. Given time, and patience, that flash will burn consistently bright. It's been quite some time since the Rams have had a young backup quarterback worth cheering for. And just like the abstinence from not having a pick in Round 1 of an NFL Draft for eight seasons, perhaps we have forgotten just how much fun and excitement that can bring to the team, and to the fans.

NFL fans will support players, or choose not to support players, for what happens off the field. But fans are focused on what happens on the football field. And that is what will lead to almost all NFL fans to forget Stetson Bennett's off-field struggles from 2023. He will play well enough to make fans forget last season.

Much of the 2023 preseason work will fall on Bennett, and he will deliver this year. I will not be the least bit surprised if he finishes the 2024 preseason with 40+ completions for 500+ yards and 4+ touchdowns in three preseason games this year. Not only is he better prepared for the NFL in 2024, but the Rams have elevated the talent level of depth players, giving Bennett a more vibrant palette to work with in terms of on-field magic.

You may be tired of hearing about Stetson Bennett, but after he scorches defenses in a preseason game, you will be thankful that we kept you up to date on his progress. He is not going anywhere. And the team has plenty of reasons to remain invested in Bennett in 2024.

Stay tuned. And thanks for reading.