Before Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said he wanted to give Stetson Bennett “a lot of work.” In the first half alone, Bennett attempted 20 passes. The Rams kept him in the game until the second half, and then things got out of hand.
It has become important to have a competent quarterback to replace 36-year-old Matthew Stafford. Bennett showed with his play in the first half that he can be that. But not in the second.
Stetson Bennett, backup QB of the Los Angeles Rams, shines in the first half
Sunday initially looked like Bennett’s best performance in the four preseason games he’s played in his limited career, completing 60 percent of his passes for 110 yards or more in the first half. While the stats are modest, the way Bennett operated in the pocket was by far the best part of his game, rather than ducking and running when his first few reads were covered or when the pocket was under pressure.
That wasn’t the case in the first half. He marched the ball down the field with skill, with the measured air of a veteran quarterback. He led two 12-play drives and another 15-play drive. He was also 4 of 5 on his first drive.
Bennett’s favorite target was rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington. He was targeted nine times and caught six of them for 74 yards, with a big 30-yard gain early in the first quarter.
In the Rams’ preseason last year, Bennett threw for 347 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions on 62 attempts.
Bennett’s performance started well, but he fell into some bad habits. He couldn’t score a touchdown despite getting the ball into the red zone. He also threw four interceptions. Those 5.5 yards per catch reflect his weaknesses in trying to create big, explosive plays. He did attempt a throw into the end zone, but couldn’t reach the diving Tyler Johnson, who was one step ahead of the defender.
After these turnovers, the Rams decided to keep Bennett in the game.
