Rams' backup quarterback situation is less dramatic than it may seem

A less-than-positive narrative on the Los Angeles Rams' backup quarterback competition has emerged from a microscopic sample during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Everyone wants to know: will Stetson Bennett or Ty Simpson will be QB2 behind Matthew Stafford? A definitive answer will come, but it will take time.

Any debate before then can only appeal to preconceived expectations. Thus far, neither contestant has stolen the show.

It's worth noting that the Rams' likely Plan A - bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo - was put on hold by Garoppolo's retirement musings. So, they've turned the page and done the only thing they can: work with the quarterbacks who are on the roster. For the QB2 competition, that means Bennett versus Simpson.

It's not that OTAs should be ignored. The concerns are relevant. But it's also not much of a sample size. These are two young quarterbacks going up against the first-team defense as Stafford rests up on the sidelines. The situation isn't as simple as the predominant conflicting narratives - Simpson will save us! They're both hopeless! Draft bust! Doom and despair! - would suggest.

What to expect in training camp and the preseason

Here are some landmark points keep in mind as training camp and preseason activities progress later this summer.

1. Matthew Stafford will be limited in his training camp participation

After Stafford's training camp injury in 2025, the Rams are employing a very conservative approach to his summer regimen. As he made clear last season, when he sat out all of training camp and the preseason, Stafford can flip a switch and be ready to play. Even as L.A. cultivates chemistry among the starters, he will remain limited to a degree, perhaps to the tune of sitting out every other day. That means more reps for the youngsters.

2. Bennett and Simpson will get heavy work

Bennett and Simpson will get plenty of work throughout the summer. Not only with they enjoy an increased workload due to the absence of Jimmy G, they will also benefit from first-team reps on Stafford's rest days.

Offseason work for quarterbacks, especially young quarterbacks, will have its fair share of ups and downs. Coaches encourage them to take chances to get a feel for their floor, their ceiling, and where they are in their development.

3. Rams tend to favor experience over potential

And then there's the preseason, which will likely bring with it a dose overblown and misinterpreted decisions. Historically, McVay has leaned into experience over potential. That gives Bennett a default advantage given that he has spent three seasons in Los Angeles after the Rams drafted him128th overall in 2023.

If training camp provides enough evidence to make a decision - and there will be a good bit more data than in non-contact OTAs - whoever McVay decides is his QB2 will play sparingly in the preseason. Whoever plays less will indicate who the team favors.

Because of his experience and time in the Rams' system, it's fair to cast Bennett as the frontrunner unless something dramatic changes. And that's okay. It doesn't make Simpson a bust. The Rams didn't draft him, anyway, expecting Simpson to see much of the field in Year 1.

As always, thanks for reading.

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