People have ways of hedging their bets when it comes to highly-touted quarterbacks in the preseason, and Ty Simpson’s successful debut for the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday was prime real estate for hedging.
You see, if Simpson played poorly, then believers would say “It’s only the preseason, who cares?” and skeptics would say, “I told you so.”
After Simpson played well enough to earn almost-universal praise, then skeptics say “It’s only the preseason, who cares?” and believers say, “I told you so.”
That’s just how it works. It’s how it’s always worked. And nobody’s wrong. And nobody’s right.
Football fans have always felt like they have a personal relationship with quarterbacks and the emotions cause logic to be discarded as a distraction when it fails to support their priors. I call it the “Varsity Blues syndrome”. Everybody knows Varsity Blues.
When Paul Walker’s character is healthy, James Van Der Beek’s character is worthless. Even his own father despises him. When Walker breaks his leg, their worlds are completely reversed.
It’s not logical. It’s football.
Well, I have no dog in the fight. I have always watched football objectively, or at least, that’s the goal. I’m not void of emotions, but I think desire gets in the way of objective reality and I really hate that. So you can believe me or not, but this is what I think of Simpson’s first game with the Rams:
It was totally fine.
It’s the type of preseason game that could be had by a quarterback who becomes a Pro Bowl star. And it’s the type of preseason game that could be had by an athletically-gifted career backup. In terms of predicting the future off of Simpson’s one preseason game…you can’t.
I know many onlookers have already done that, and many more will try, but it’s all just words right now. It’s all fantasy. It’s the script for a movie. Maybe that movie is Varsity Blues. And maybe you’re the star, and maybe you’re not, but it can all change on a single play.
However, I still wouldn’t hedge my bets on a preseason game. I told you so.
Rams’ top pick Simpson shines in 2-TD preseason debut vs. Chiefs (ESPN)
“I thought he took what the defense gave him,” McVay said. “I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall. … I thought he kept the ball in play. That’s the biggest thing, is keeping the ball in play.”
Though he didn’t know what to expect going into his first NFL game, Simpson said that after the first drive that it felt “just like playing in the backyard.”
Simpson is the first player with 190 passing yards and two touchdown passes in his preseason debut since Baker Mayfield did it with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, according to ESPN Research. Simpson completed passes to seven players, and both of his touchdown passes went to running back Dean Connors.
Ty Simpson dazzles in his Rams debut (PFT)
McVay may be smiling, too, if he thinks the rookie can be trusted to serve as the understudy to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. The only other option is Stetson Bennett, who has no regular-season snaps in three seasons.
Ideally, the preseason will be Simpson’s only chance to get live reps. That likely explains the decision to give him three full quarters of playing time.
But it’s not just development for a post-Stafford future. They need to have someone ready, in the event Stafford’s back flares up or he has some other injury during the grind of a 17-game season.
Rams’ First-Rounder Ty Simpson Delivered An Impressive Preseason Debut vs. Chiefs (FOX)
Simpson’s first score came from a quick four-play drive, where he found rookie running back Dean Connors for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Shortly after, Simpson led the Rams on an eight-play drive that resulted in a second touchdown throw to Connors, securing the Rams’ win over Kansas City.
While the majority of Simpson’s training camp experience was spent playing behind quarterback Stetson Bennett for second-team reps, his preseason entrance allowed him the chance to showcase his skillset. Additionally, Simpson has had the chance to learn from MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, who’s entering his 17th year in the NFL and his fifth season with the Rams.
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5 Takeaways from Rams’ 20-12 preseason Week 1 win over Chiefs (RAMS)
4) Klare a reliable target: Targeted a team-high eight times, Klare finished with seven receptions for 37 yards – much of those from Simpson – displaying the skillset that made him look like a great fit alongside the returning personnel at tight end.
4 Winners and 3 Losers From Rams’ Preseason Win Over Chiefs (SI)
Loser: QB Stetson Bennett
On that note, Bennett’s stock definitely took a hit. Bennett didn’t necessarily play poorly, but his first pass landed behind wide receiver CJ Daniels on a short slant. His final pass of the afternoon was almost intercepted as he lofted a pass short in the end zone intended for Max Klare. Bennett was efficient out of play action and on the move, but there was a clear difference in the two quarterbacks. Accuracy and putting the ball in harm’s way have always been issues for Bennett.
How a rookie and a punt returner secured the Rams’ win in Arrowhead (The Sporting Tribune)
The backyard in Martin, Tennessee.
Population small; dreams large.
His first drive ended in a punt. Three plays. Three-and-out.
The second drive was a different song.
Simpson completed four consecutive passes for 41 yards, moving the chains with the patience of a man who understands rhythm isn’t given; it is earned.
Harrison Mevis, the “Thicker Kicker” who can split the wings off a fly, drilled a 40-yard field goal through the uprights.
Comment of the Day:
From JB’s Winners and Losers, by delusionalramfanslosteve
“Agree on Simpson 100%! It’s just the first step but he showed he belongs.
I think Klare will get as many reps as possible, getting him ready to play as soon as possible. I think he and Ferguson will be the receiving TEs and the others will play inline.
Conners and Andersen showed some legit stuff as well.
I’ll be kind of bummed if Desjuan doesn’t make the team. Dude’s been a good Ram.“
