Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay offered an odd explanation regarding the backup quarterback position and depth chart for Week 1.
The Los Angeles Rams' unofficial depth chart was released, and it appears that the backup quarterback has been identified. Veteran Stetson Bennett IV is now QB2, but head coach Sean McVay offered an odd explanation regarding the order.
Instead of outright stating that Bennett has won the backup role, he instead stated that it's a "2A, 2B" situation.
Per Rams reporter Stu Jackson, McVay seemingly believes that both Bennett and Simpson are interchangeable in a way. While Jimmy Garoppolo had been the clear backup in past years, the new way of handling things is to give both the veteran and rookie time to develop.
This way of handling the backup position may sound odd, but it also makes sense given how both performed during training camp and preseason.
Bennett and Simpson both took first-team reps, especially with Matthew Stafford on a modified practice schedule to manage his overall longevity. With that structure, this allowed McVay to get a better read on both quarterbacks.
Bennett had appeared to be the favorite through trianing camp, and his initial preseason game left a lot to be desired.
At the end of the first preseason game Bennett secured 38 yards on 4-for-6 attempts, while Simpson brought in 190 yards and two touchdowns on 21-for-25 attempts.
The issue with that overall evaluation is Bennett only played one quarterback.
During the second preseason game, the Rams veteran was utilized far more, and he answered his opportunities with 181 yards on 19-for-31 attempts, and two rushing touchdwns.
Both Bennett and Simpson had flipped in terms of their production.
The third and final preseason game was just Simpson, as Bennett watched from the sideline. Though the initial perspective of that choice pointed to the veteran earning the QB2 spot, the rookie once again showed a lot of poise in the pocket.
Simpson secured 119 yards and one touchdown on 18-for-23 attempts, which may have made the choice that much harder for McVay.
Now, it appears that though Bennett is the official QB2 on the depth chart, he could seemingly also be changed out for Simpsin if McVay so chooses.
The silver lining of this way of handling the backup position and giving both quarterbacks the time to develop, means that McVay's "2A, 2B" explanation rings true. Which signal caller either struggles or is injured, can lead to the other stepping in without missing a beat.
This would only happen should Stafford not be able to take the field, but the backup quarterback position for the Rams is ultra important due to if that scenario actually happened.
Whomever is behind Stafford will need to continue running the offense and keeping this high-powered team marching towards their goal of making it to the big show.
