The Los Angeles Rams have had an interesting journey with rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett, who was expected to be the backup to starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, Bennett was mostly absent during his rookie season due to a shoulder injury and a placement on the non-football injury list. Rams coach Sean McVay was tight-lipped about the reasons for Bennett’s absence, leaving many questions unanswered. Despite this, Bennett is now back with the team and appears to be on track to compete for the backup role, especially with veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suspended for the first two games of the season.
General manager Les Snead shed some light on Bennett’s absence last season, suggesting that he was burnt out from back-to-back college football championship wins. According to Snead, taking a year away from the game was beneficial for Bennett and allowed him to recharge mentally and physically. The Rams’ own experiences with Super Bowl appearances helped the franchise understand the toll of competing at a high level. Snead emphasized the importance of giving players a break to refresh and rediscover their love for the game, mentioning that the responsibility of the quarterback position can be particularly draining.
Bennett returned to the Rams’ training complex last month for the offseason program and has been present for practice this week. Coach McVay has praised Bennett, noting his dedication, attentiveness in meetings, and good command on the field. The quarterback coach, Dave Ragone, has also been instrumental in Bennett’s development, helping him improve his communication and overall performance during practice sessions. Bennett’s return to the team signals a fresh start and a new opportunity to compete for a significant role on the roster.
The acquisition of veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this year adds more competition to the Rams’ quarterback room, with Garoppolo set to miss the first two games of the season due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy. With Stafford firmly entrenched as the starter, Bennett will have to prove himself in order to secure the backup position and potentially see playing time in the future. The Rams’ willingness to support Bennett’s decision to take a step back and recharge shows the importance of mental health and well-being in professional sports.
As Bennett continues to compete for a spot on the roster, his perseverance and dedication to the game are evident. Despite a rocky start to his rookie season, Bennett has shown resilience and a strong work ethic, earning praise from his coaches and teammates. With the support of the Rams organization and his own determination, Bennett has the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role in the team and contribute to their success on the field. His return to the team marks a fresh start and a chance to prove himself after a challenging first year in the NFL.
