Stetson Bennett is stepping forward like the leader Rams need him to be

For three seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have witnessed growing development and confidence in backup quarterback Stetson Bennett. In 2026, that growth and leadership have already found their way to center stage. With Matthew Stafford on the bench due to a limited summer workload, Bennett led the team's starting offense. And he played the part very well.

The Rams opened training camp with a mild surprise. Benching Stafford created an opportunity for the team to turn over the first-team keys to Bennett. New offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase was pleased with what he saw, despite it being the first day of training camp:

"Going back to last year, obviously you get to experience him in training camp, you get to experience him in preseason, and just seeing the way that he went to work, the way that guys would rally around him, he competes."

Before 2026, Bennett had found himself working with rookies and depth players. Even when Stafford sat out training camp last season, the team relied on veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to lead the first stringers. This season, Bennett has the honor.

Bennett has traits and experience to be ideal QB2

Many want to stir the pot with controversy between Simpson and Bennett. But while Simpson is simply trying to master the playbook and push himself to discover his own limits, Bennett already has a strong grasp of the offense and his own skill set.

Bennett had the best 2025 preseason of any QB in the league, and he has picked up right where he left off. Although last preseason he faced a mixed bag of starters, backups, and bubble players, he led an LA offense that was comprised almost entirely of bubble players. And he led them in style.

Throwing for 512 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in just two games, Bennett proved that he could elevate the performance of such receivers as Xavier Smith, Jordan Whittington, and tight end Davis Allen. So it stands to reason that he is capable of elevating his own game playing alongside starters like Tyler Higbee and Puka Nacua.

Don't shoot the messenger, but Bennett is almost certainly LA's backup quarterback in 2026. And if he is willing to sign a team-friendly contract at season's end, he could be in the mix for years to come.

As always, thanks for reading.

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