Matthew Stafford’s approach to Ty Simpson has given the Rams rookie quarterback exactly what he needed: a veteran who’s willing to teach.
That matters, because the relationship between an established starter and a young quarterback waiting in the wings is never guaranteed to be smooth. In Los Angeles, though, Stafford has handled it like a pro since the Rams drafted Simpson, and Simpson has already noticed the difference.
Bussin’ With the Boys visited Rams training camp on Tuesday and spoke briefly with Simpson, who was quick to credit Stafford for how fast he’s picked things up.
“I’ve learned more ball in the last four months of being with him than I had in four years of being in college,” said Simpson. “He’s just so cerebral and smart with everything.
It’s so cool. I appreciate him so much because he’s been nothing but nice to me.”
Stafford has backed that up publicly. At the start of OTAs, he talked about why he’s taken that role seriously.
“I have a ton of experience and he’s just now starting his journey as an NFL player,” said Stafford at the beginning of OTAs. “He’s a guy that’s asked questions. I’ve been trying to get into those as honestly and thoroughly as I possibly can.”
That kind of support is not always how these situations go. The source of the tension is easy to see around the league: when the Tennessee Titans drafted Malik Willis, Ryan Tannehill famously said, “I don't think it's my job to mentor him.” Johnny Manziel has also spoken about Brian Hoyer brushing off questions he had in the quarterback room.
Stafford has gone the other direction entirely.
Simpson’s own habits have helped make the setup work. He’s been praised throughout camp for being eager to learn and for asking the right questions.
On Wednesday, offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase said Simpson has been asking the right questions in the meeting room. Early in camp, team reporter Stu Jackson noted that Simpson would go to quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone when he wasn’t taking reps and ask questions.
That kind of approach is exactly what the Rams want from a young quarterback at this stage. Simpson’s mindset, combined with Stafford’s willingness to help, gives Los Angeles the kind of setup it was hoping for when it put a rookie behind a veteran.
It also fits the model teams have pointed to before, with the Green Bay Packers finding success by sitting Aaron Rodgers behind Brett Favre and Jordan Love behind Rodgers. The Rams are clearly hoping Simpson’s path can be shaped in a similar way behind Stafford.
For now, Stafford’s priority is still getting the team ready for Week 1. But he’s also made time to guide Simpson, answer questions, and make sure the rookie isn’t left to figure it all out alone. That relationship already looks like a win for Simpson - and, down the line, it could pay off for the Rams too.
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