The Los Angeles Rams’ backup quarterback battle burned hotter headed into Week 2 of the NFL preseason. After leading just two possessions in the opening game, Stetson Bennett was active for the entire first half.
LA was likely being honest about the fact that rookie Ty Simpson is gaining ground on the veteran and wanted to give them an equal amount of playing time. Instead, Bennett inspired the Rams to a first-half blowout that then—because of game script—limited Simpson’s opportunities.
Bennett performed
so well on Saturday that he unintentionally undercut the rookie.
There are plenty of other take aways from Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and data are a good way to match objective data to first impressions. Who made a positive impression ahead of the fast-approaching cutdown to the 53-man roster?
Top five grades on offense:
1 – Bill Murray, LG: 92.3
2 – Stetson Bennett, QB: 81.1
Bennett was the lowest-graded player on the entire Rams offense last week. He swapped places with Ty Simpson—who made the top five) and Simpson fell to third from the bottom against the Saints.
The veteran QB pushed the ball down the field more aggressively after appearing very conservative in the opener. He had an average depth of target (ADOT) of 9.9 yards. Bennett still finished with an impressive 69.0% adjusted completion rate and manufactured two big-time throws without a turnover-worthy play.
Meanwhile, Simpson has been deadly accurate in his first two games. After posting an adjusted completion rate in the 90’s last week, he earned a mark of 75.0% in his encore.
3 – Dylan McMahon, C: 77.7
4(t) – Tru Edwards, WR: 74.4
4(t) – CJ Daniels, WR: 74.4
Edwards was a standout performer in last year’s preseason and was quiet in the opener. He was targeted four times in this game and hauled in three catches for 27 yards. At 6-3, 201 lbs., he brings a size element that other Rams reserve receivers don’t offer.
Rookie CJ Daniels was the focal point of LA’s passing game. He led the team in targets on a two-fold basis with 13. The next closest was Brennan Presley at six. Daniels caught eight passes for 68 yards, of which 17 came after the catch. He’s known for his contested catch ability, but this didn’t show up on Saturday. On four contested targets, he caught only one attempt.
Other notes on offense:
The reserve offensive line had another strong performance in this game. Let’s take their summary together.
Murray clearly led the way and led the line in both pass protection and run game grades. He played 73 of 78 snaps. Austin Blaske, who played RG and RT, was the only lineman to take every offensive snap. Blaske was a standout last week and put together another positive game, although not to the level we saw in his first game. He’s someone to keep an eye on for either the roster or practice squad.
AJ Arcuri played in this game after sitting out the opener. He finished second on the offensive line and was just outside the overall top five. Arcuri played 46 snaps at LT and five at LG. He earned an impressive pass protection mark of 85.1.
The only lineman that didn’t perform well in PFF’s grades was Bryce Henderson, who played 25 snaps split evenly between LT and RT. He finished with a grade of 54.3.
Top five grades on defense:
1 – Alex Cook, DB: 91.3
Cook drew the media attention from the game because of his 100-yard pick-six. While he should be applauded for making a big play, it was a very curious decision by quarterback Spencer Rattler. It will be tough to crack the roster at safety unless he can standout on special teams.
2 – Wesley Bailey, EDGE: 90.2
Leading the team with 10 (!) pressures, Bailey was a disruptive force on the defensive line. The box score will reflect only a single sack. He hit the opposing quarterback three times. Bailey also fared well in run defense with a grade of 79.4.
Worth noting: Desjuan Johnson did not play in this game after being on the field deep into the fourth quarter last week. Bailey is probably a practice squad candidate barring a surprise.
3 – Nyzier Fourqurean, CB: 89.9
Fourqurean cracked the top five despite a tackling grade of just 25.8. He missed two tackles on five attempts and was targeted three times to allow two receptions for 41 yards (all YAC).
4 – Monty Rice, LB: 83.9
Faring well in both run defense (76.6) and coverage (70.6), Rice was Saturday’s standout performer at linebacker. There may not be much opportunity for reserves to make the team since we know Omar Speights and Shaun Dolac are both likely safe. The Rams have a knack for developing unheralded linebackers, and Rice may be the next in the pipeline.
5 – Al’zillion Hamilton, CB: 74.6
The Saints went after Hamilton often, and the corner made them pay for it. Hamilton was targeted a team-leading eight times and he allowed just four receptions for 30 yards and recorded an interception. This was good for a passer rating of just 19.8. 55 of his 57 snaps came on the outside.
Other notes on defense:
Rookie Tim Keenan has struggled over the last two games. He was the lowest-graded player on defense. The Rams have plenty of depth on the interior defensive line, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they attempt to stash Keenan on the practice squad for a redshirt first year.
