Ty Simpson dazzled on his Rams debut against the Chiefs on Saturday as he completed 21-of-25 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, leading to a big reaction from his head coach
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson
Rams quarterback Ty Simpson starred in his pre-season debut on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said first-round pick Ty Simpson had "a really good day" after the young quarterback stole the show in Saturday's pre-season friendly against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Simpson, 23, made his official bow for the Rams after being selected with the 13th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft back in April, playing three full quarters at Arrowhead Stadium as his side ran out 20-12 winners.
The Alabama graduate, who recently admitted he hopes he is "not annoying" Matthew Stafford while looking to learn from the veteran quarterback, immediately looked at home in his new NFL surroundings, completing 21-of-25 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Article continues below
It was a big statement performance from Simpson on his Rams debut, and one that certainly appeared to impress his new head coach, as McVay sang the praises of the former five-star high school recruit following the game.
"He took what the defense gave him," McVay said. "You know, I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall. And I thought, even on some of the keepers, where maybe the primary isn't there, he attacks with the ball up..."
"I thought he kept the ball in play. You know, that's the biggest thing, is keeping the ball in play," McVay added.
"There was one situation there, we'll have a great learning [opportunity] on a third down, where, you know, they kind of played a man coverage, we ended up throwing into the flat to [tight end] Max Klare.
"I've got to see — I think the pocket might allow him to be able to progress, but otherwise, it was a really good day for him. He just felt like he was in good command, and it was cool to see a good smile on his face."
McVay's reaction is certainly a far cry from the one he produced following the Rams' decision to draft Simpson four months ago, when he appeared visibly frustrated as the player's name was read out.
Granted, it was a surprising move by the franchise, but given Simpson's talents, many would have expected a much more positive reaction from McVay, rather than seeing him appear agitated and flustered during the ensuing press conference.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Ty Simpson
Rams head coach Sean McVay previously made headlines for his agitated reaction to the Rams drafting Simpson(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
McVay did, however, clear up the situation, explaining that he wasn't annoyed with the Simpson pick, but rather someone else, telling ESPN's Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt: "Well, there was some other things I was grumpy about that, you know, you just navigate normally.
"You just wanted to make that I would have been stoic by nature anyways, just based on the respect for Matthew," he added, in reference to the NFL legend entering the final season of his 2-year, $84 million contract.
"Because it's a unique situation. You get a chance to be able to, you know, take a player that you like at a really important position.
"But you don't want it to be minimized or misunderstood in terms of what this means in terms of our investment and our commitment to Matthew for as long as he wants to continue to play. And so you're kind of teetering that line. And clearly, you know, I came off a little grumpier than normal.”