Rams' Stetson Bennett Struggles: Does L.A. Have QB2 Problem?

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett's preseason performances leave more questions than answers.

The Los Angeles Rams concluded their preseason action on Saturday at Mile High with a 41-0 loss to the Denver Broncos. The loss caps off a winless summer circuit. There’s a reason these games do not count, but to say Los Angeles was thoroughly outplayed may be an understatement.

One of the Rams’ more glaring problems is under center. Rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett had his worst outing yet in Denver, completing just four of nine passes for 14 yards. His two interceptions cast an ugly shadow on an outing that seemed to end prematurely.

Rams coach Sean McVay, though, ensured the media that pulling Bennett early in the second quarter was at least somewhat according to plan.

“We just needed to be able to get something going,” said McVay. “We wanted to get Brett [Rypien] an opportunity to play a little bit, coming back to a place where he had spent some time.”

Rypien was similarly ineffective, but he likely has a strong grip on the backup quarterback job. Among passers with as many attempts as Rypien last season (88), only P.J. Walker had a lower quarterback rating. Hence, some fans wanted to check the price tag on former San Francisco 49ers passer Trey Lance, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys on Friday.

Bennett, who will turn 26 this fall, has not looked the part since flashing against the Los Angeles Chargers two weeks ago.

A presumed talent disadvantage and an unfamiliar offense has rendered Bennett a far cry from his trophy-housting self at the University of Georgia. How much growth can Los Angeles genuinely expect to see?

“All of these things are learning opportunities … Zac [Robinson] and Mike [LaFleur] will put their arms around him and we’ll continue to move forward accordingly,” McVay said.

The Rams’ backup quarterbacks were outclassed this preseason. Don’t blame them for potentially exploring the waiver wire after cutdown day on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

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You can follow Anthony Licciardi on Twitter @ALiccScouting

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