August 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay scores four points after a touchdown during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium Congratulations to Stetson Bennett (13). Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams aren’t a team that cares too much about the preseason.
The Rams have lost five straight preseason games heading into Sunday night’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Last year, they lost by 17 points to the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams did not play with Matt Stafford in their preseason opener. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo also did not play. Instead, we had the pleasure of attending a Stetson Bennett masterclass.
The former Georgia quarterback is back in Los Angeles competing for a role with the Rams after leaving last season to evaluate his mental health.
Boy, is he back.
Bennett threw four interceptions against the Dallas Cowboys. And won the game 13-12.
Four different Cowboys players intercepted Bennett, but he found a way to throw the game-winning touchdown with four seconds left.
Throwing four interceptions is never an ideal situation, but the Rams’ lead with four seconds left made this one of the most legendary preseason performances in quite some time. Bennett completed 24 of 38 passes for 224 yards.
It wasn’t exactly a barn burner at SoFi Stadium, as the Cowboys didn’t really try either. Trey Lance (remember him?) attempted 41 passes for 188 yards, which seemed impossible. Cooper Rush entered the game 2-for-3 passing for 44 yards.
But Bennett’s performance should be the highlight of a forgettable start to the NFL preseason. Sure, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made some cool throws. Jayden Daniels threw a 40-yard bomb for his first NFL start with the Washington Commanders.
But it was Bennett who actually stole the show with four interceptions, but that one redeeming touchdown will forever live in Rams lore.
Garoppolo will serve a two-game suspension for PEDs before the NFL season begins. He said the suspension was due to an error he made when applying for a therapeutic use exemption for an unspecified substance. Due to this suspension, Bennett will have the opportunity to start the season in place of Stafford for the Rams.
The only other quarterback in Rams training camp is Dresser Winn, who played college football at UT Martin and was on the CFL’s Edmonton Elks’ practice squad. Some time passed.
Bennett compiled a 29-3 record as the starting quarterback at Georgia. After recovering from mental health, the guy went on to win football games.
