In classic American football fashion, Stetson Bennett’s return to the field after almost a year absence was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. The young Rams quarterback, in his second year, had a rough outing with four interceptions, but managed to redeem himself with a game-winning touchdown pass, leading the Rams to a thrilling 13-12 preseason victory over the Cowboys.
The drama unfolded as Bennett orchestrated an impressive 18-play drive that culminated in a five-yard pass to tight end Miller Forristall for the decisive score. Despite the rocky start with the interceptions, Bennett showed resilience and determination to make the most of his opportunity on the field.
The game was a test of Bennett’s mettle as he completed 24 of 38 passes for 224 yards, along with the one touchdown and the four interceptions. It was a mixed bag of performance, but Bennett’s ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver when it mattered most was commendable.
The absence of both starter Matthew Stafford and backup Jimmy Garoppolo paved the way for Bennett to showcase his skills from start to finish. Garoppolo, who is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback, will miss the first two games of the regular season due to a PED suspension, opening up possibilities for Bennett to stake his claim as the backup.
The game was a glimpse into Bennett’s potential as he navigated through challenges and emerged victorious in the end. The lingering question remains whether Bennett’s resilience and success in the preseason are enough to earn him the trust of the Rams coaching staff as they consider the backup quarterback position for the first two weeks of the season.
In the words of Bennett himself, “It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means, but I’m proud of how I fought through it and helped the team get the win. I know there’s room for improvement, and I’ll continue to work hard to prove myself in whatever role the team needs me to fill.” With a display of grit and determination, Bennett has positioned himself as a contender for a pivotal role in the Rams’ upcoming season.