Saturday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs brought answers and left us with some significant questions.
There remain two exhibition games to collect information ahead of the page turning to the regular season. If searching for answers to the leftover burning questions, these are the areas I would start:
1 – Why are Rams set in their ways at punt returner?
Despite watching Xavier Smith quite literally fumble away the NFC Championship game last season, he returns as LA’s primary punt returner. The Rams had all offseason to
either bring in competition or consider alternatives. Instead, they seem ready to run it back with Smith.
But why? Smith brings little upside to the return role, even if he did break a longer return for one of the most important plays in Saturday’s game in KC. Can the Rams maximize a roster spot by identifying a player who can contribute more as a returner and elsewhere?
I’d start with receiver Brennan Presley, who played well in the 2025 exhibition games and then led the Rams in receiving yards against the Chiefs. Presley has a similarly sized frame and close skillset to Smith. He seems to be a more productive receiver and the team risks nothing by experimenting with him as a punt returner. Presley already returned kicks in the preseason opener. Push his limits and see what he is capable of.
I’d also suggest standout running back Dean Connors as an option. Connors has an uphill battle to make the roster but could usurp second-year back Jarquez Hunter. Why not see if his athleticism translates to the third phase?
2 – Can Stetson Bennett make a comeback in QB battle?
The early indications from training camp suggested that Bennett was well ahead of rookie Ty Simpson. That momentum faded in the final days at Loyola Marymount and in the joint practice session against the Dallas Cowboys. Bennett did little to impress on Saturday, and drew the lowest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade on offense.
Was Bennett’s early camp success overstated? Is he simply in a lull right now? He’ll need to prove his struggles are only temporary—or he could find himself looking for work in a matter of weeks.
3 – Will Jarquez Hunter make the 53-man roster?
Hunter and Connors are evidently the fastest running backs on the Rams’ roster. Hunter broke an outside run for 11 yards early and played sparingly. Veteran Ronnie Rivers sat out of the first preseason game, which could signal that he’s already made the team.
It will be tough for the Rams to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster, especially to make room for Hunter who hasn’t shown much through two years. Connors arguably could be a more useful player given his skillset as a receiver, especially if he gets an opportunity as a returner.
Connors should play much earlier in the remaining two games. Hunter may not be competing with Rivers but rather with the guy who was sixth on the depth chart a week ago.
4 – Was CJ Daniels’ training camp overhyped?
One of the most praised players in the first days of training camp before the pads came on was rookie receiver CJ Daniels. Similar to Bennett, the positive reports surrounding Daniels faded once practices grew more physical.
It’s relatively easy for receivers to become preseason stars. We’ve certainly seen such outcomes from less talented players over the years, and Puka Nacua immediately looked like a force during his rookie campaign.
Daniels is probably safe to make the roster. If he wants to step foot on the field as a meaningful contributor, he needs to make splash plays. Should Daniels stay on his current path, he will remain entrenched behind Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield on the depth chart.
5 – What more do we need to see from Ty Simpson?
Simpson did not attempt a single throw over 20 yards or generate a big-time throw on Saturday. That is really the last box we need to check from a skillset perspective. The Rams must open the playbook and Simpson needs to make big plays without putting the ball in harm’s way.
It’s no secret that Simpson doesn’t have Matthew Stafford’s arm talent. He still has plenty of juice for a player with a slight frame. His velocity in Kansas City looked good, even when he was throwing on the move.
But if Simpson continues to live in the short to intermediate areas of the field, he will develop a reputation as a check down artist. First impressions matter at the quarterback position—just ask Jared Goff. The rookie needs to check this box sooner than later.
