The Los Angeles Rams have been without star quarterback Matthew Stafford through training camp, as the veteran deals with a back injury. While the Rams are eager to see a healthy Stafford make his return, his absence has allowed Sean McVay to evaluate young quarterback Stetson Bennett more than he would’ve been able to in a normal training camp.
As he gears up to enter his third season, Bennett has yet to make a regular-season appearance in the NFL, but he should handle a large share of the workload in the Rams’ preseason games.
In those appearances, McVay wants to see more of the same from his young arm.
“I just want to see him continue to do what he’s done, keep taking steps in the right direction,” McVay said on Thursday, according to Pro Football Talk. “I think most importantly, l’ve seen the guy that’s enjoying it, totally immersed and present out on the field, being able to move from one snap to the next.
“I think you’re looking for good operation in and out of the huddle, good command, good ability to be able to read with his feet, and be able to distribute the ball where it goes.
“Part of the thing that makes his game fun is when things go off-schedule, he can do some pretty creative stuff just by being the natural and instinctive athlete that he is. More than anything, the good operation and really just enjoy the opportunity to go compete and show the work that he’s put in.”
It’ll be interesting to see how Bennett does this preseason.