Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson concluded an undefeated preseason with a notable performance against the LA Chargers on Thursday night, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown in the first half of the Rams' 20-18 victory. The outing against the Chargers' starting defense offered a glimpse of his potential, a significant step for the No. 13 overall pick from Alabama.
"I thought Ty did a great job tonight," Rams coach Sean McVay said. "It’s never-ending, constant evolution and improvement, constant growth."
Across three preseason appearances, Simpson finished 47-of-60 passing for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His performance against the Chargers' starters was particularly noteworthy, as he had previously played primarily against second and third-string defenses in earlier preseason games.
"I knew their starters were going to play at least the first series. My dad told me that," Simpson said of facing the Chargers' defense. "It was definitely faster, for sure. It was my first time going against real guys in a real game. It felt fast. You have to make quick decisions and know where your outlets are."
Despite his strong preseason, Simpson is expected to remain third on the depth chart behind veteran Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, and Stetson Bennett IV, who is positioned as the backup. Simpson is slated to travel to Melbourne, Australia, as the third quarterback when the Rams open their regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10.
Simpson, who had limited playing time early in his college career, has reportedly grown more comfortable in the Rams' offense throughout the preseason, benefiting from the tutelage of Stafford, Bennett, and McVay. "There are no pity parties," Simpson stated. "You’ve got to be where your feet are."