The Los Angeles Rams had a plan to futureproof the quarterback position. They hid their intentions well during the spring before shocking the NFL by selecting Ty Simpson with the thirteenth overall pick.
But a plan—at least a good one—doesn't stop at drafting a player.
We knew Simpson was a green prospect entering the draft. He looked as ready as you possibly could during the preseason. For someone who the consensus said needed time to develop, Simpson looked poised under pressure and kept the ball out of harm's way during the exhibition games.
Through eight weeks Simpson has been a healthy scratch on game days. He still dressed as the emergency third quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett, although he cannot step onto the field unless the two signal callers ahead of him are unavailable because of injury.
It's time to reassess whether Simpson should be the third quarterback. That is not to say that Simpson should be starting over Stafford, although just two weeks ago it was difficult to see LA climbing out of the hole they put themselves in.
I have a hard time believing that Bennett is more capable and dependable than Simpson. It's probably time for the rookie to usurp the veteran within the depth chart. Stafford is also managing an elbow injury that requires him to frequently ice his elbow, which could help explain his decline in play this season.
It's worth mentioning: the Rams owe Bennett nothing. His contract is set to expire at season's end. It would take more money to retain him, which the team probably won't do. The most likely outcome is that Bennett goes to team that runs a similar offensive scheme to Sean McVay and where he has a chance to get onto the field.
So if the Rams are headed towards a separation with Bennett, why not give Simpson any reps as the number two quarterback and allow him to backup Stafford on gamedays?
It could be that the team is waiting for their bye week to make a change. That comes after the next two games.
Still, we know the Rams have a plan to develop Simpson. The details are simply unclear.
At some point the rookie will replace Bennett as the backup. It's really just a matter of when. Why not right now?
