For the most part of the Los Angeles Rams’ preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Stetson Bennett was all talk and no cattle. But in the end, the Rams showed their appreciation for Bennett, albeit not everyone saw it coming. With four seconds left, Los Angeles defeated Dallas 13–12 thanks to a 6-yard touchdown pass from Bennett, the third-ranked quarterback for the Rams, to Miller Forristall. Bennett’s throw was unexpected because it followed four interceptions and an overall lackluster performance on Sunday.
Many would brush off a struggling third-string player in a meaningless game. The Rams may, however, be depending on Bennett once they do begin to count. Although he isn’t officially named as Matthew Stafford’s backup until the third week of the season, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is the starter in the Pro Bowl. The Rams signed Garoppolo to a one-year, $3.1 million contract, the majority of which is guaranteed. Garoppolo has made 63 career starts. However, Garoppolo’s suspension for the first two games as a result of his violation of the NFL’s policy regarding performance-enhancing drugs.
Bennett would be called up if Stafford is jeopardized during the Rams’ initial road games of the regular season against the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals. Bennett is just the third quarterback in history to win two national titles while leading Georgia. He was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he had not appeared in a game since that season. Next was his performance versus Dallas. Bennett commented, “That was probably the weirdest game I’ve been a part of.” Bennett finished with 224 yards on 24 of 38 passes, four interceptions, and a touchdown throw. “It appeared as though I was the one who stopped us,”
Bennett chose to address health concerns that placed him on the reserve/non-football illness list for the entire season, ending his career shortly after his final game in 2023. Sean McVay, the coach, was optimistic about Bennett joining the team again. Not because of the turnovers, of course, but rather because of Bennett’s field presence, his accuracy in calling plays, and his ability to lead his team into and out of the huddle. Stafford, the starting quarterback for the Rams, and Bennett, their third-stringer, are very different from one another in terms of experience and pay. Bennett plays on a contract with a guarantee of little under $700,000, whereas Stafford is under a $130 million guarantee.