Ty Simpson SHINES in Rams Debut… But He Should NOT Be Matthew Stafford’s Backup

Ty Simpson delivered an impressive Los Angeles Rams debut against the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. But did his performance prove he should become Matthew Stafford’s immediate backup—or expose a much bigger question about the Rams’ quarterback room? Austin Stanley and NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts break down Simpson’s first NFL action and his competition with Stetson Bennett IV on 13 Personnel. Bennett started the Rams’ preseason opener and completed four of six passes for 38 yards before Simpson handled the overwhelming majority of the remaining snaps. Ryan explains why Sean McVay’s decision to bring Simpson off the bench may have been designed to maximize the rookie’s workload. The Rams initially protected Simpson with the running game, play action, rollouts and manageable throws before gradually expanding his responsibilities. By the fourth quarter, Simpson looked more comfortable processing from the pocket and finished the 20-12 victory with two touchdown passes. Then Austin presents a curveball: What if Simpson and Bennett aren’t actually competing to become the Rams’ real QB2? Los Angeles has assembled a Super Bowl-caliber roster around Stafford, but its starting quarterback is approaching 40 and has an extensive injury history. If Stafford misses meaningful time, should the Rams really entrust their championship opportunity to Bennett or a first-round rookie with only one season of college starting experience? Austin argues that the quality of a team’s backup quarterback should match its expectations for the season. Simpson should make the roster and spend 2026 learning from Stafford without being forced onto the field. Bennett could be pushed toward the practice squad if Los Angeles identifies an experienced quarterback capable of keeping the team afloat. The Rams also do not own their 2027 first-round pick, eliminating the potential consolation of a high draft selection if Stafford gets hurt and the season collapses. Did Ty Simpson prove enough to become QB2, or should Les Snead find an experienced veteran before Week 1? 13 Personnel is A to Z Sports’ national NFL show featuring Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts. Subscribe for NFL debates, roster analysis and team coverage from across the league. #LosAngelesRams #TySimpson #MatthewStafford #RamsHouse #13Personnel 0:00 Why Stetson Bennett started over Ty Simpson 2:03 Simpson and Bennett’s opposite journeys 3:08 Sean McVay’s plan for Simpson 5:04 How Simpson improved throughout his debut 8:11 The curveball: This may be a QB3 battle 9:03 Why the Rams need an experienced backup 12:04 The backup QB philosophy contenders should follow 13:25 Our prediction for the Rams quarterback room