Rams fans shouldn't take Ty Simpson bait if he struggles in preseason

You may have noticed, but Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson did not get overwhelming love when he was drafted. NFL analysts splashed gasoline on the fire by decrying the selection in a series of underwhelming draft grades. Now that they've bashed him mercilessly, those same critics have no incentive to remain objective.

Simpson was never supposed to be more than a high-ceiling rookie who needs patience and coaching to unlock his true potential. Part of his development is to push himself out of his comfort zone in training camp, practices, and preseason games. Expect reactions along the lines of Chicken Little's "the sky is falling" hysteria.

Fans know how rookies develop. We're already prepared for a new wave of criticism. Simpson is on a path to break everything he can and let his coaches' expertise help him to rebuild his techniques, lay his foundation, and define his limits. To make a sunny-side breakfast, you have to break some eggs.

Even Ty Simpson struggling is a good sign for Rams fans

Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett struggled in his preseason debut in 2023. While Simpson is expected to outperform Bennett, that ceiling may be months away. Getting there will be a series of painful mistakes and lessons learned.

The greatest drawback in Simpson's draft profile is his lack of collegiate experience. Gaining experience means both struggling and succeeding. To fast-track Simpson's growth this season, quarterback coach Dave Ragone will force Simpson to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Practice makes perfect. In training camp, quarterbacks wear no-contact red jerseys. But in the preseason, they are fair game. Simpson must grow comfortable in the face of pressure, throwing into tight coverage, and leading the team back from a deficit.

All of which is uncomfortable.

Don't take the bait. Unless Simpson is flawless from the first snap, doomsday takes will abound. And it will grow increasingly worse if any alternative rookie prospect plays well.

This is not a Tutu Atwell versus Creed Humphrey scenario: in 2021, the Rams drafted Atwell despite a consensus that Humphrey, a center, would be the pick. Atwell is gone and Humphrey has made four Pro Bowls with the Chiefs. In the end, the selection didn't age well.

In 2026, Los Angeles needed to invest in a quarterback for the future. Now, it will test everyone's patience to witness his growth. Flaws or feats, the goal is not for Simpson to take over from Matthew Stafford in 2026.

Rather, the objective is to prepare him to do so down the road.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow