Stetson Bennett Impresses in NFL Debut for Los Angeles Rams
Inglewood, Calif. – Stetson Bennett, the former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback, made his NFL debut for the Los Angeles Rams in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bennett, who led Georgia to a national championship just seven months ago, showed promise as he passed for 191 yards and a touchdown.
Bennett’s debut took place at SoFi Stadium, the same stadium where he led his college team to victory in the College Football Playoff title game. The Rams ultimately lost the game 34-17, but Bennett’s performance was a bright spot for the team.
Both Bennett and Max Duggan, the former TCU quarterback, were vying for backup positions with their respective teams. However, it was Bennett who had a busier night and made a stronger impression.
Rams coach Sean McVay praised Bennett’s performance, saying, “I thought he did a nice job. There were some tough situations there, and you could see the athleticism where he escaped.” McVay was particularly impressed with Bennett’s ability to lead a 16-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown pass to rookie Puka Nacua.
Bennett himself acknowledged that he became more comfortable as the game progressed. He said, “I started to play football… There are some things to fix, but there are some things we can be proud of too.”
Bennett’s strong showing continued after halftime, as he led two more scoring drives and finished the game with a 17 for 29 completion rate and no interceptions. Despite the loss, Bennett remained optimistic and focused on the learning experience. He said, “You live and you learn… And I thought we executed well in some situations, and others, we didn’t.”
While Duggan had limited playing time, some of his former TCU teammates made notable contributions for the Chargers. Derius Davis returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown, and Quentin Johnston caught an 8-yard touchdown pass. Elijah Dotson, an undrafted rookie from Northern Colorado, also had impressive touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.
Bennett’s debut showcased his potential as a backup quarterback for the Rams. His ability to lead scoring drives and make accurate passes under pressure impressed both his coach and teammates. With more experience and development, Bennett could become a valuable asset for the Rams in the future.
The Chargers, under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, struggled to find their rhythm on offense. However, many of their key starters did not play in the game. Easton Stick, the Chargers’ third-string quarterback, had a solid performance, passing for 109 yards and throwing a touchdown pass to Johnson.
Overall, the preseason game provided an opportunity for both Bennett and Duggan to showcase their skills and compete for backup positions. While Bennett had a more impactful debut, both quarterbacks displayed potential and will continue to develop as they gain more experience in the NFL.
In conclusion, Stetson Bennett’s NFL debut for the Los Angeles Rams was a promising start to his professional career. His performance demonstrated his ability to lead scoring drives and make accurate passes. With further development and experience, Bennett has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Rams in the future.