The Los Angeles Rams opened their training camp Sunday with a fast-paced session that quickly progressed from individual drills to full 11-on-11 team work, setting a competitive tone for the weeks ahead. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula emphasized the goal of stressing players through high-intensity competition to evaluate their command of the playbook, endurance, and competitive edge.
A key narrative emerging from camp centers on the Rams’ backup quarterback competition, as reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford is on a managed workload, working in intervals of alternating days on and off over four-day stretches. With Stafford’s presence limited during practice, young quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson are taking on primary responsibility for leading the offense and vying for the backup role behind the veteran starter.
The Rams face a critical challenge in ensuring stability at the quarterback position should Stafford be sidelined with injury. Neither Bennett nor Simpson has yet appeared in an NFL game or attempted a professional pass, leaving their readiness as significant unknowns. This year’s Rams roster leaves few roles genuinely unsettled, but the backup quarterback position stands out as one with potentially decisive implications for the team’s success.
Coach Sean McVay acknowledged the importance of the backup role, stating that while the goal is for Stafford to remain healthy, the team must quickly identify who can step in and lead if Stafford is unavailable. The Rams are prepared to evaluate both Bennett and Simpson thoroughly before considering external veteran options, which may include players such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Derek Carr.
On the first day of camp, Simpson appeared more polished and efficient when sharing reps with Bennett. Though not without mistakes—he forced a throw into tight coverage during a rollout—Simpson demonstrated poise, mobility, and an ability to make progressions beyond his initial reads. Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase praised Simpson’s mindset and work ethic, highlighting the quarterback’s responsiveness to both successes and errors in a demanding environment.
Simpson, the Rams’ first-round pick at No. 13, was widely viewed as a future investment rather than an immediate solution, particularly given Stafford’s continued role as starter. However, the team’s commitment to his development underlines a long-term strategy aimed at a smooth transition when Stafford ultimately steps away. This approach also affects the Rams’ broader roster decisions, such as their hesitance to allocate resources toward aggressive trades for impact players like edge rusher Myles Garrett, preserving assets for quarterback development needs.
Beyond individual throws, the Rams placed importance on operational aspects of quarterback play, including pre-snap formations, motions, and adjustments. Scheelhaase noted the critical nature of mastering these foundational elements, which set the stage for successful execution after the snap.
While Simpson’s initial showing was encouraging, the team recognizes it as only the first phase of a rigorous evaluation process. Over the coming weeks, the Rams will continue to assess which quarterback can best support Stafford and provide the depth and leadership necessary to sustain their Super Bowl aspirations.