Early in training camp, Rams head coach Sean McVay names key improvements he has seen from Ty Simpson.
The Los Angeles Rams are now a week into training camp, which has given the new players and the returning players plenty of opportunities to make plays in team drills and to refine their craft in position-focused drills.
One player in particular, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, seems to be making a steady progression, according to head coach Sean McVay.
"Yeah, I think really even just, you know, from the things we talked about in the spring, just even being able to call the plays in the huddle where we get in and out when the games are real. It's a 40-second play clock, and they don't stop it, we get the ability to be able to stop it in 25 seconds out of a quarter clock stoppage, and so he's done really well," McVay said in Friday's media availability.
As a rookie quarterback, Simpson definitely has a lot to learn, but it seems that he has been able to adjust to the NFL game quite well so far.
One of the biggest things McVay talked about with Simpson and his improvement was his ability to get in and out of the huddle efficiently and get the correct play called. In the NFL, being able to operate well in the huddle with great communication is critical, and so far Simpson has been able to do that very well, according to McVay.
A key reason that Simpson may be excelling in training camp thus far is the number of reps he has been able to get due to the Rams managing Matthew Stafford to ensure the 2025 MVP can stay healthy for as long as possible in 2026.
With Stafford on the sideline on some practice days in camp, Simpson and fellow quarterback Stetson Bennett IV both get increased reps, which is huge for the two of them as they compete for the backup quarterback job.
McVay also had some great things to say about how Simpson has been able to improve with his mechanics.
"And then I think, you know, some of the even things mechanically about being able to speed up his release, you know, some of the timing and rhythm in terms of with his lower half being married up with the routes," McVay added.
In terms of mechanics, McVay seems to be pleased with Simpson has been able to speed up his release and have each aspect of his mechanics linked to the route combinations the offense is running on each play.
McVay's system does harp a lot on rhythm and the ability to process opposing defenses, which Simpson has been able to do a solid job of, and can then allow him to get the ball to the amazing playmakers the Rams have in players like Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, among others.
With the command that Simpson has in the huddle as well as the continued progression of his mechanics, he should be in a great position to run this offense more effectively as camp goes on.
As Simpson progresses through camp with this offense, he also has the benefit of going against a great defense. On the defensive side of the ball, the Rams have great players at all levels, with Myles Garrett on the defensive line, Nate Landman at linebacker, Trent McDuffie at cornerback, and Quentin Lake at safety, in addition to so many other great players across the defensive unit.
While practice against this defense will not be easy for Simpson, the opportunity to compete against players of this caliber is something that should help him to build better habits, which could potentially help him to win the backup quarterback job and develop into the Rams' next franchise quarterback.
