All summer, Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson competed to be Matthew Stafford's backup under center. Bennett had the lead going into training camp and after playing well in practice and the preseason, he never let that lead go.
Sean McVay opted not to name a winner in that camp battle but on Thursday night, he was forced to make a decision. The Rams chose Bennett as their No. 2 quarterback, making Simpson a healthy scratch for the first game of the season.
McVay referred to Bennett and Simpson as 2A and 2B on the depth chart, despite listing Bennett as the No. 2 and Bennett third. It's no surprise that the Rams are going with Bennett behind Stafford, given his experience; this is his fourth year in the system.
Simpson played well in the preseason
and training camp, making a strong case to win the backup job. However, Bennett is the safer choice because of how well he knows the offense. In the event that Stafford goes down, the Rams can feel confident that he'll operate the scheme and get the ball out on time to the proper receiver.
The Rams hope Bennett never has to see the field this season because if he does, it means Stafford got hurt. But for the time being, he's the No. 2 until Simpson overtakes him or something changes in the minds of the coaches.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Who is the Rams' No. 2 quarterback against the 49ers?
