Sean McVay gave a recent press conference leading up to Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers where McVay addressed that both Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson would backup Matthew Stafford. The twist is that McVay would not answer who the actual QB2 vs. the emergency QB3 would be. Bennett or Simpson?
Both Bennett and Simpson are expected to be a massive drop off from Stafford, but one will be expected to handle the worst-case scenario over the other if Stafford goes down.
You can watch the presser below,
McVay says he is confident in both quarterbacks and that may be true. But which one is McVay more confident in filling in for Stafford? Regardless of that answer for Week 1, McVay said it was a fluid situation.
For the last couple seasons the Rams had a clear back QB in Jimmy Garoppolo, and that is not the case going into 2026 as the Rams have no clear backup. It’s a situation to monitor and a developing story.
Sean McVay explains why Stetson Bennett, Ty Simpson are 2A and 2B at QB (ramwire)
“Sean McVay said on Friday that while Bennett is second on the depth chart, he views Stetson and Simpson as 2A and 2B behind Stafford.
That obviously wasn’t the case with Jimmy Garoppolo and Bennett last season, but with two young quarterbacks on the roster, the Rams want to make sure both of them get reps during practice.“
LA Rams Going With ‘Different’ Plan Behind Matthew Stafford (heavy.com)
“We look at it as two guys,” McVay told reporters on September 4. “I’ll tell you when I decide who’s going to be the actual 2 in the game. And I’ve talked to the players about it, but that’s something that they’re both going to continue to train, regardless of who ends up being up, and who’s the emergency third [QB]. I look at it as both of those guys are going to play. But you saw we listed Stetson as the 2, Ty as the 3, but I look at as the 2A/2B, and we’ll see how we approach the game.”
McVay opened up about how it was “different than previous years.”
Rams plan to bring entire team to season opener, including Donald (espn.com)
“”Obviously one of the best things you can do is get out there and play football in 11-on-11 settings with pads, your eye progression, taking on some of the double-teams, different things like that,” McVay said. “So this week will be a big week for him in terms of how he feels. And then we’ll just kind of take it a day at a time and see where he’s at.
“If he feels good enough to go, great. If not, I’ve got a lot of confidence in the other guys that’ll be ready to step up if that’s the case, that have really gotten all the reps anyways.”
McVay also said Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua “is making good progress” as he rehabs a psoas (core/lower back) injury. Nacua first injured his psoas on Aug. 11 in a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys. He returned to practice on Sunday.“
Rams Warned Against Costly Decision on Davante Adams (heavy.com)
“Former sports agent Joel Corry, now an analyst for CBS Sports, wrote on September 4 that Adams has the 25th-highest cap hit in the NFL this coming season. He also noted, “Adams has the third-highest wide receiver figure at $28 million.”
While Corry believes Adams is a “logical” candidate for a restructure, he argued against it.“
First Look: Rams take on 49ers in Australia to kick off 2026 season (therams)
“Quarterback Brock Purdy played in nine games as he missed the middle of the season due to injury. He finished with 2,167 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions as well as 147 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Backup quarterback Mac Jones had 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games. Both return for the 2026 season.
Running back Christian McCaffrey played in all 17 games and had 1,202 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns and 924 receiving yards with seven touchdowns in his fourth season with the 49ers, returning for his fifth season this year.“
What is the Jaguars’ plan for Travis Hunter in Year 2? Plus, my ranking of the NFL’s top 5 cornerbacks (nfl.com)
“It is uncommon for a slot defender to seamlessly transition to a CB1 role on the outside, but McDuffie excels wherever he’s asked to play. Earning a pair of All-Pro nods and winning two Super Bowls in his first four seasons, McDuffie has shown airtight coverage against slot receivers and outside pass catchers, while also displaying A+ instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills. As a “see ball, get ball” defender who can handle the stress of playing Cover 0 (no safety help, with an all-out blitz up front) in pivotal moments, McDuffie is built to play the CB1 role as an inside or outside cover man in a pass-happy league.“
Tutu Atwell ‘excited’ to be back with Rams after surprise trade from Dolphins (nfl.com)
“When Atwell left for Miami, the intent seemed clear: It was time for Tutu to exit the shadows cast by the likes of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, etc., and create his own value.
Instead, his value existed in familiarity. The Rams needed depth behind Nacua and Adams, while Atwell appeared to be available after failing to earn a top-three job in Miami’s receiving corps. A simple phone call fixed both situations.
Now, Atwell is back in his NFL home and couldn’t be happier.
“Nah, man, it don’t feel like I was gone,” Atwell said. “I’m back with my brothers, man. I just feel great and feel awesome just to be back here and with these great players and guys. I’m just excited.”
Rams coaches have Les Snead to thank for making their lives a whole lot easier(ramblinfan)
“The same team that got so much fromone of the least expensive defenses in the NFL suddenly finds itself touted as one of the most talented units in NFL history.
On paper, at least.
Les Snead has built a Rams roster coaches will thank him for
Spending copious amounts on new contracts with more than two dozen deals expiring next offseason seems crazy. And perhaps Snead is a bit eccentric. But his is also an inspired strategy if all the dominoes fall the right way.“
13 Rams starters who will become free agents after 2026 season (ramswire)
“That gives the Rams 13 key starters who could be playing their final season in horns.
P Ethan Evans
WR Puka Nacua
WR Davante Adams
DT Aaron Donald
RG Kevin Dotson
TE Colby Parkinson
C Coleman Shelton
LG Steve Avila
OLB Byron Young
DT Kobie Turner
RT Warren McClendon Jr.
LB Omar Speights (RFA)
K Harrison Mevis (ERFA)“
Keeping Up With the 49ers: Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia (49ers.com)
“Day 1 wrapped up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with AFL Finals action, giving the 49ers their first look at the venue they take over on gameday.
With the first day in the books, the 49ers week in Melbourne is officially underway.“
Comment of the Day:
“I don’t understand the super team, all in, etc. hype.
For example, Lions have Jahmyr Gibbs 9, St. Brown 22, Aiden Hutchinson 30, Jared Goff 33, Penei Sewell 37, Jack Campbell 88.
6 players in the top 100, all paid top contracts at one point.
Kerbie Joseph, Alim McNeil and Jamison Williams have also been paid. They are getting ready to pay Sam Laporta and Brian Branch big money.
That will be 11 players paid top money or near for player contracts at some point.
Lions are considered under achievers in my book but aren’t an all in or a super team per the media. What gives?? Why no label and super high expectations?“ -WeekLongDetention
