Ty Simpson knows precisely where he stands on the team’s depth chart, but he also has a clear vision of where he intends to go.
The Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback exited SoFi Stadium on Thursday night having delivered a compelling performance that suggests the gap between his current position and his aspirations is steadily narrowing.
Completing 18 of his 23 pass attempts for 119 yards and a touchdown during the first half of the Rams’ 20-18 preseason victory over the LA Chargers, Simpson capped off an undefeated preseason. The No. 13 overall pick out of Alabama cemented his case with a highly encouraging audition for the franchise.
“I thought Ty did a great job tonight,” Rams head coach Sean McVay remarked. “This is a never-ending process of constant evolution, improvement, and growth.”
Over three preseason appearances, Simpson posted a stat line of 47 completions on 60 attempts for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions—a crucial stat for a rookie signal-caller absorbing McVay’s complex offense.
His standout moment arrived on an 11-yard touchdown strike to the corner of the end zone. As the pocket collapsed, Simpson spun away from pressure to his left, kept his eyes downfield, and delivered a precise pass showcasing the arm talent and poise that prompted Los Angeles to invest premium draft capital in him.
The highlight reel throw came against the Chargers’ starting defense, marking a significant step up in competition from previous weeks.
Through his first two preseason games, Simpson saw most of his action in the second half behind starter Stetson Bennett IV, primarily going against backup and third-string defenders from the Chiefs and Saints.
However, McVay elected to start Simpson on Thursday, keeping Bennett on the sidelines to ensure his starting quarterback arrives at the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, fully healthy. This opportunity allowed Simpson to face genuine NFL starters in the first quarter.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, contrasting with McVay’s strategy, regularly plays his starters to gather live game reps. Facing a tough Los Angeles defense in the opening quarter gave Simpson a rare taste of true NFL action.
“I knew their starters were going to play at least the first series. My dad told me that,” Simpson noted. “It was definitely faster, for sure. It was my first time going against real guys in a real game. The game felt fast. You have to make quick decisions and identify your outlet options.”
Despite his stellar efforts against the Chargers’ first-string unit, the immediate quarterback hierarchy remains unaltered. Reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford stands as the unquestioned starter, while Stetson Bennett IV is expected to retain the backup role heading into the regular season.
Simpson is expected to travel with the team to Melbourne as the third-string quarterback when Los Angeles faces the San Francisco 49ers on September 10. The rookie, however, remains unfazed by his official placement on the depth chart.
“I don’t really ask him that,” Simpson said when asked if McVay had clarified who would back up Stafford. “I kind of just do what I’m told.”
This receptive, hardworking mentality might ultimately be more valuable than any statistical achievement during an undefeated preseason. Arriving in Los Angeles as a first-round talent who barely played early in college, Simpson departed August looking increasingly comfortable within the NFL landscape. He has spent the last few months absorbing knowledge from Stafford, Bennett, and McVay, with more lessons to follow as the regular season approaches.
“There are no pity parties,” Simpson said. “You’ve got to be where your feet are.”
For now, Simpson’s feet are third on the depth chart, but his gaze is firmly fixed on higher ground.
“Pressure makes diamonds or busts pipes,” Simpson reflected. “I’ve just got to keep going.”
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