Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay congratulates quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) after a touchdown in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams are not a team that cares too much about the preseason.
Going into Sunday night’s preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams had lost five consecutive preseason games. Last year, they were blown out by 17 points against the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams didn’t roll with Matt Stafford in their preseason opener. Backup Jimmy Garropollo didn’t play, either. Instead, we were blessed with a Stetson Bennett masterclass.
After taking off last season to assess his mental health, the former Georgia quarterback is back in Los Angeles to compete for a role with the Rams.
And boy, is he back.
Bennett threw four interceptions against the Dallas Cowboys. And won the game 13-12.
Four different Cowboys players intercepted Bennett, but he found a way to throw the game-winning touchdown with just four seconds remaining in the game.
Throwing four interceptions is never ideal, but the score with the Rams ahead with just four seconds remaining made this one of the most legendary preseason performances in quite some time. Bennett completed 24-for-38 of his passes for 224 yards.
It wasn’t exactly a barn burner at SoFi Stadium, as the Cowboys did not really try either. Trey Lance (remember him?) attempted 41 passes for 188 yards, which seems impossible. Cooper Rush got into the game and went 2-for-3 passing for a whopping 44 yards.
But Bennett’s performance should be the highlight of what has been a forgettable start to the NFL preseason. Sure, Chicago Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams made some cool throws. Jayden Daniels threw a 40-yard bomb for his first NFL completion with the Washington Commanders.
But it’s actually Bennett who stole the show with his four interceptions, but that one redeeming touchdown will live on in Rams lore forever.
Garoppolo will be suspended for two games to start the NFL season for PEDs. He said the suspension was the result of a mistake in his filing for a therapeutic use exemption for an unspecified substance. As a result of this suspension, Bennett will have the opportunity to backup Stafford’s Rams to start the season.
The only other quarterback in camp for the Rams is Dresser Winn, who played college football at UT Martin and spent time on the CFL’s Edmonton Elk’s practice squad.
Bennett was 29-3 as the starting quarterback during his time at Georgia. Back from his mental health reset, the guy just continues to win football games.
