Stetson Bennett got an extended opportunity — and ran with it.
With Rams coach Sean McVay changing the script in the battle to back up quarterback Matthew Stafford , Bennett took full advantage.
After playing only the first two series in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs before giving way to rookie Ty Simpson , Bennett played the entire first half Saturday against the New Orleans Saints .
The fourth-year pro led four scoring drives, two that he finished with touchdown runs in a 34-0 victory at SoFi Stadium.
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"That was fun," said Bennett, who completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards. "They're constantly reminding me in practice to, you know, especially if it's down in the red zone, 'if it's not there, take off.'"
McVay was pleased that Bennett used the mobility that was on display when he led Georgia to consecutive national titles.
"He used his legs as a weapon," McVay said. "Those are the things that don't necessarily come to life in some of the practice settings."
Simpson aimed to build on his performance against the Chiefs, when he completed 21 of 25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns. But the Saints dominated time of possession in the third quarter, so Simpson got only three second-half series. He completed eight of 12 passes for 73 yards and led a touchdown drive.
"Did what I needed to do," he said. "Missed some throws here and there but we got in the end zone, we put points on the board and didn't turn the ball over, so that's a good day."
Rams quarterback Ty Simpson passes against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Bennett, by virtue of his experience in the system and his performance Saturday, appears to have the edge to back up Stafford on a team that is favored to win Super Bowl LXI.
It remains to be seen how McVay handles the quarterback situation in the preseason finale against the Chargers on Thursday night. Last season, Bennett was the No. 3 quarterback behind Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo . But in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns , Dresser Winn played the entire game.
McVay said he had not yet determined who will play against the Chargers . Matthew Caldwell is the other quarterback on the roster.
In the days leading up to Saturday's game against the Saints, Bennett and Simpson split second-team reps during the teams' joint practice. Afterward, McVay talked about Bennett's mobility and indicated that he would get more of a chance to show it Saturday.
Bennett appeared more confident than he did against the Chiefs, when the Rams went three-and-out on his first series against many defensive starters. Bennett finished that brief stint by leading a field-goal drive.
On Saturday, after a fourth-down false start penalty stunted the Rams' first drive, Bennett threw his two best passes of the game during the next one.
Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett, second left, celebrates with offensive tackle Austin Blaske after a touchdown against the Saints on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The first was a deep shot that landed just out of receiver Tyler Scott 's reach. Three plays later, on a fourth and one, Bennett went through his progressions and lofted a pass over several defenders to a diving Scott for a 16-yard gain.
"That was unbelievable," McVay said. "For him to be able to pull up and make that throw ... that was an incredible throw and catch."
After Rams cornerback Al'Zillion Hamilton intercepted a pass, Bennett led a 48-yard drive that he finished with a one-yard scramble to the right pylon for a touchdown.
On his next series, Bennett scrambled eight yards for a touchdown and a 17-0 lead.
"The more you play," he said, "the more rhythm you get into."
Rams coach Sean McVay claps during the first half against the Saints on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
After catching only two passes against the Chiefs, Daniels had eight receptions for 68 yards against the Saints.
The sixth-round draft pick, who played at Liberty, Louisiana State and Miami , was targeted 12 times in the first half. His longest reception went for 17 yards and helped set up a field goal.
"Just being patient," Daniels said when asked what lessons from the Chiefs game he applied against the Saints. "Letting the game come to me. Not being in a rush. Just being in the flow of the game."
Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carries the ball against the Saints on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown in 12 carries.
Hunter would have amassed more yardage had two good runs not been nullified by penalties.
The Rams could be set at edge rusher, with star end Myles Garrett , Byron Young , Josaiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson .
But the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Bailey, an undrafted free agent from Louisville, continues to impress. Bailey had a first-quarter sack, forced a third-quarter fumble and had four quarterback hits.
"There's certain guys you just kind of feel on defense, where you just know they're making their presence felt," McVay said. "And that's how I felt about Wes Bailey all day."
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Rams safety Alex Cook, right, intercepts a pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler before returning it 100 yards for a touchdown. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Hamilton intercepted a second-quarter pass by Zach Wilson that set up the Rams' first touchdown.
In the third quarter, safety Alex Cook picked off a pass by Spencer Rattler at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.
The Rams signed Cook, who began his pro career in 2023, in July after he played in the United Football League. It was a reunion of sorts for Cook, who played for defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake at the University of Washington.
"Every day you're just fighting for a spot," Cook said, "and you just pray you make plays like this to help your chances."
Mevis kicked two field goals, both from 26 yards. He has made all four of his preseason attempts.
Ethan Evans averaged 48.5 yards for two punts.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .
