Stetson Bennett can give Coach McVay this first of his Rams tenure

How did other backups do in their preseason efforts?

Of course, we can claim that Stetson Bennett is not 'backup QB' material. But the Rams do not see to shop top-shelf when it comes to their backup quarterback role. Quite the contrary, to be accurate. So, to put everything into perspective, let's take a trip back in time to every preseason featured quarterback in Rams history since HC Sean McVay took over. Keep in mind that the NFL adopted a three-game preseason schedule in 2021, which was a four-game preseason schedule prior.

Once again, to compare performances, we will need to create another data table. Please note that no preseason games were played in 2020. And I've listed only the top producing QB for each preseason:

While Bennett's performance does open the door to question his ball security, I don't think that chapter is completely written. If you compare Bennett's production in terms of passing yards to his predecessors, you can see that he has over 400+ passing yards with far fewer passing attempts. So there is life in that arm, if as yet not fully harnessed and trained.

After his shaky performance in Game 1, Rams HC Sean McVay had quite a lot to say about his backup quarterback. But what he did not say is that Bennett's first game performance was coachable mistakes. He did not throw Bennett under the bus, although he had every opportunity to do so. Perhaps he is taking a broader view of his young quarterback than fans right now?

If you group Bennett's combined preseason work, he has completed 77 of 131 passes for 784 yards, three touchdowns, and eight interceptions. But you cannot ignore the fact that the team is 2-3 with him under center. Push a pin in that fact, as we will come back to it.