The Los Angeles Rams beat the New Orleans Saints 34-0 on Saturday in a preseason game that gave head coach Sean McVay a clearer picture of his backup quarterback situation, according to a report from Yahoo Sports.
Stetson Bennett scored two touchdowns on the ground in the first half and operated as what the report described as an efficient game manager who has the ability to turn the corner on rushing plays. Bennett finished the game going 14 of 31 passing for 181 yards, a 5.8 yards-per-attempt average. He completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes, but converted red zone drives into touchdowns.
The Rams defense was the other major story. Going against Saints backup Zach Wilson, the Los Angeles defense was dominant throughout. Defensive back Al'Zillion Hamilton picked off a pass in the first half, helping Bennett and the offense build a 20-0 halftime lead. In the second half, Spencer Rattler came in for New Orleans and threw a pick-six to Alex Cook that pushed the Rams lead to 27-0.
Rookie Ty Simpson finished the scoring when second-year running back Jarquez Hunter ran the ball in to cap the 34-0 final. Simpson was not asked to do too much, but moved the offense down the field when given the opportunity.
Kicker Harrison Mevis made his kicks, and the special teams unit drew positive notice as well.
McVay still has not settled the backup quarterback question behind starter Matthew Stafford. Bennett entered the preseason competing with Simpson to fill the role previously held by Jimmy Garoppolo. Saturday's performance helped Bennett's case, but the report noted that the Rams face the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, and that game will largely shape how McVay views the competition going forward, including whether Bennett starts or sits.
Simpson's showing did not raise any obvious red flags, but nothing about his performance suggested he is ready to be the clear answer either. The decision remains open heading into the next preseason contest.
