Los ángeles Rams Preseason Game Two Takeaways
Los ángeles Rams Preseason Game Two Takeaways
The Rams were in regular-season form during their dominant 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints. After playing just two series against the Chiefs, Stetson Bennett made the most of his start against the Saints.
Los Angeles Rams Preseason Game Two Takeaways
Bennett played the entire first half of the game, going 19 of 31 for 181 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Entering the fourth and final year of his contract, Bennett is proving why he deserves to be the backup quarterback and an extension.
Bennett’s growth and experience were apparent during the game. His ability to assess the defense and calmly find the open man is an area where he has improved. Bennett also showed off his athleticism, rushing for a touchdown in an RPO at the two-yard line early in the second quarter. He also ran for another touchdown in an aggressive scramble on a 3rd and 6 on the Saints’ eight-yard line.
After the game, head coach Sean McVay discussed Bennett’s performance and improvement.
*“He’s just getting better and better,*” McVay said. “Part of it is just the overall command. I thought he made some really good decisions. I thought he got through some progressions, and then I love the fact that he used his legs.”
Bennett did a good job of finding CJ Daniels throughout the first half. The seventh-round receiver finished the game with the most yards, catching 8 passes for 68 yards. After his lackluster performance against the Chiefs, Daniels showed he can be a reliable target.
Aug 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV (13) throws the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Even though McVay has yet to declare the backup quarterback role, Bennett has been the obvious candidate. While Ty Simpson has been excellent in his two preseason games, Bennett’s experience and familiarity with the Rams’ offense should give him the nod.
After halftime, Simpson took over, passing 8 of 12 for 73 yards. While he didn’t throw the ball very much, Simpson did a great job organizing the offense, finding the open player with ease.
Beyond their Super Bowl aspirations, one of the Rams’ main priorities is the development of Simpson during his first year.
Even though Bennett and Simpson didn’t account for a passing touchdown, the two played well and led the Rams to a commanding victory.
Defense
The Rams weren’t just dominant on offense; they also made a statement on defense.
The defense showed out with two red zone takeaways, including a 100-yard interception return from safety Alex Cook.
“The two turnovers in the tight red area to be able to prevent them from scoring were big. Awesome for AC to be able to make that pick six. Really cool for (outside linebacker Wesley) Bailey to be able to force that fumble. … Really just good communication throughout,” McVay said. “The guys in the box did a great job, and awesome to be able to celebrate a lot of guys today, and to be able to have their teammates here to be able to celebrate them was fun for me as well.”
One of the biggest positives during training camp has been undrafted free agent Wesley Bailey. The pass rusher has made waves throughout the preseason. Bailey finished the game with four quarterback hits, a tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble. Bailey is already on the depth chart listed as the third-string linebacker.
Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) throws a pass as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Wesley Bailey (47) defends during the second half of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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