The Los Angeles Rams wasted no time getting into football on Sunday at Loyola Marymount University, opening training camp with immediate 11-on-11 work after reporting on Saturday. With the team finally back on the field, the first day quickly turned into a look at the quarterback depth chart, especially with Matthew Stafford held out as the Rams manage his workload.
Sean McVay said Saturday that Stafford would sit out Sunday’s session and then work every second and fourth day, making the opener a day for the backups to draw attention. That pushed the backup quarterback competition into the spotlight, and rookie Ty Simpson got a long look as the Rams began what should be a busy stretch of camp.
Stu Jackson of TheRams.com reported that Bennett handled the first-team offense while Simpson worked in the backup role. Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase said he liked what he saw from Simpson’s approach.
“I'm encouraged,” said offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. “I appreciate the way that he works as much as anything.
And I think anytime you've got that mindset, you're going to continue to grow each time that you're out there. And so, I like where he's at, like the opportunity that he's going to get to just continue to grow in this camp."
Simpson’s first day had its share of rough spots, which is hardly surprising for the first practice after the break from OTAs. Pierce DeLuna of the 1st And Tuna Substack noted that Simpson missed high on some throws, though both quarterbacks were getting the ball out quickly. DeLuna also pointed to a sharp throw from Simpson to Konata Mumpfield over the middle.
Jackson added another detail that stood out: Simpson kept seeking out coaching feedback throughout the session.
“Although Simpson didn't run with the first-team offense during the 11-on-11 drills, after every time he got taken out, he would walk over to associate coordinator/quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone for feedback,” wrote Jackson.
The Rams signed Simpson to his rookie contract on Saturday, just before the team reported to camp, so these early reps matter. With Stafford’s workload being managed, Simpson should keep getting chances to grow inside the offense, and the coaching staff will be watching closely as he settles in.
For now, the focus is on the basics. Scheelhaase said the pre-snap part of the job is the foundation, and that’s where the young quarterbacks have to show they can handle the operation.
“We require so much of those guys from what we do with formations, with motions, with adjustments that they're going to make before the ball is even snapped. That's the foundation,” said Scheelhaase.
“He did a good job. I thought both quarterbacks did a great job just with their operation before that ball was snapped."
Monday will bring the Rams’ first open practice, which means even more eyes on Simpson. It’s early, and the rookie is going to have rookie moments. But if he keeps handling the pre-snap work and keeps showing progress, that’s the kind of start the Rams want from him.
In Other News...
Rams Hit With Another O-Line Concern They Really Did Not Need
Training camp had barely gotten underway when the Rams were dealt another reminder of how fragile offensive line depth can be. Guard Justin Dedich was placed on the Non-Football Injured Reserve list, a move that keeps him eligible to return before the 53-man roster cutoff date but still leaves Los Angeles thinner inside as it starts sorting through its early camp reps.
The timing matters because the Rams are trying to build continuity up front while also managing the rest of the roster churn that comes with camp. Undrafted rookie cornerback Al'Zillion Hamilton also landed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, another small hit to depth in the defensive backfield, and it adds to the sense that the first days of practice are already forcing the team to juggle bodies in a few key spots. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Defense Sent A Chilling First Message At Camp
The Rams opened training camp with the kind of defensive reset that can change the feel of a practice field fast, as new arrivals Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson all took part in the first session. Garrett made his presence felt in 11-on-11 work, while the Rams also used the day to sort through a few other important camp competitions, including opportunities for Stetson Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson as the offense worked through its early reps.
McDuffies view of Garrett only added to the buzz around the front seven, and the rest of the secondary had its own moments as Watson helped break up a deep ball intended for Davante Adams before the play ended with Kam Kinchens finishing it off. Matthew Stafford was held out on a scheduled rest day, which opened the door for Bennett to work with the first unit and for the team to keep evaluating the skill positions, where Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield are among the names fighting for the WR3 job behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. [Read more 🡒]