Add The California Post on Google It’s not as if the Rams eased from their early practice stretch straight into full 11-on-11 work on the opening day of training camp Sunday.
That said, if you so much as blinked, you probably missed the individual period. It came and went in a flash before the horn sounded and the offense and defense immediately squared off.
And that tone held for the rest of practice. A full-throttle battle that tested everything from the Rams’ command of the playbook to their stamina and competitive edge.
“You want to stress our guys, and we felt they were ready for that. To go out and compete. And that’s what this is,” said Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. “We want our best versus their best, putting them in good situations and challenging both sides.”
There was an added layer to it, too, and maybe even a little extra motivation.
With starting quarterback Matthew Stafford on a managed workload, alternating days on and off in four-day increments, the reigning NFL MVP was working elsewhere behind the scenes.
That left the offense in the hands of young quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson, who will spend the next month making their case to be trusted as Stafford’s primary backup.
On a roster with few starting or rotational roles truly up for grabs, the job behind Stafford quietly shapes up as the most consequential competition in camp.
Suffice it to say, nearly every aspiration the Rams have hinges on Stafford’s health. When he’s on the field, they’re capable of beating anyone and the Super Bowl is a realistic goal.
It’s a different equation if he goes down, whether briefly or for an extended stretch. Not because Bennett or Simpson lack ability, but because neither has appeared in an NFL game, let alone attempted a pass. As unknown commodities go, they’re about as mysterious as Area 51.
The Rams need to get a handle on that situation as soon as possible. Whether that is Bennett or Simpson proving they can be trusted, or if they need to make a call on a veteran quarterback either on someone’s current roster or on the open market.
The stakes are too high for the Rams this year to be so vulnerable behind Stafford that if they lose him for four games, they would be hard pressed to keep their head above water.
“As it relates to the backup quarterback spot, it’s going to be a very important thing,” said Rams coach Sean McVay. “I’m hopeful that our guy is fresh, ready to go, and doesn’t have to miss any time. But if he does, we need to figure out who that person is that’s going to step up and lead the team if that’s what’s necessary.”
There was quiet satisfaction inside the Rams building with how Simpson handled being thrown into the deep end by McVay on Sunday.
Splitting reps with Bennett, Simpson was the sharper, more efficient quarterback on Day One.
Not perfect – he forced a sideline throw into double coverage while on the move that could have been picked – but the mistake was balanced by flashes of poise, command, mobility and a willingness to push the ball downfield. When his first reads were covered, he worked to secondary options and kept plays alive.
For a rookie facing a loaded defense, it was a clean start.
“I’m encouraged,” offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase said. “With that mindset, you grow from the good and the bad. That workman’s mentality shows up every day.”
The Rams raised eyebrows taking Simpson at No. 13, knowing his impact will be delayed by however long Stafford decides to keep playing. But this was about the future, and avoiding the steep cost of finding a quarterback later. So when they had the chance to select him, they wasted no time making the call.
Without Simpson, a move like trading for Myles Garrett becomes far less likely. Those assets would’ve been reserved for a future quarterback pursuit.
For now, development is the priority. Long term, the hope is a seamless transition from Stafford.
Short term, the bar is simpler: Simpson or Bennett must prove they can be trusted if Stafford goes down. Otherwise, the Rams may have to revisit a veteran option like Jimmy Garoppolo or even Derek Carr.
That’s why Simpson’s first day mattered. Not just for his throws, but for how he ran the offense.
“We require so much from those guys, with formations, motions, and adjustments before the snap,” Scheelhaase said. “If you can’t get that right, it’s hard to get anything right after the snap. That’s the foundation.”
