Rams’ Stetson Bennett: Georgia QB Winning Job Behind Matthew Stafford?

The Los Angeles Rams will likely take the field in Week 1 of the upcoming season with Stetson Bennett as the backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford.

The Los Angeles Rams have a quarterback battle going on ... just not the one that sports fans generally like to talk about. No, the Rams aren't having guys compete for the starting job, as that is already locked up by Matthew Stafford, yet they are holding a competition to see who is first off the bench in case of injury.

So far, it sounds like rookie fourth-round selection Stetson Bennett out of Georgia is the frontrunner to enter the season as the Rams' backup quarterback. After making Bennett the first signal-caller taken in the NFL Draft under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams signed veteran backup Brett Rypien to push him for the right to be the backup.

Bennett has responded to the competition well, with those in attendance for OTAs and minicamp coming away impressed. 

"I've been really pleased with him," McVay said about Bennett. "The one thing that stands out is when the ball is in Stetson's hands, the game makes sense to him. He's got a good feel for being able to get through progressions quickly. ... He stays nice and steady, doesn't get too high or low, and he's fun to be around."

All positives from McVay, who also noted that there is still "work to be done" with Bennett, as he isn't the finished product. But that's the case with every prospect the Rams drafted this past April. 

But for now? Stafford gives a glowing review of Bennett's play so far. 

"He's done a great job," Stafford said. "Though it's a lot for a young guy to process and a lot to learn he's done a great job. He's got great athleticism, throws the ball well, and does a lot of things really well. I'm happy for him."

Despite leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, Bennett had his fair share of doubters coming out of college. At 5-foot-11, Bennett is considered undersized, while critics question if he has the necessary arm strength to push the ball downfield consistently. 

When the Rams report back in late July for training camp, Bennett will look to further impress his teammates and coaches as he looks to win the competition. ... a "QB controversy'' that isn't about Stafford but one that could nevertheless be a difference-maker.

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