Stetson Bennett put himself in a hole in Week 1 of the preseason. After throwing four interceptions compared to just one touchdown, some fans were ready to move on from him right then and there. However, Bennett remained on the roster and as the preseason starter. With another game under his belt, has the backup quarterback earned his spot on the Los Angeles Rams roster?
Evaluating Stetson Bennett’s Week 2 Performance
After throwing for four interceptions against the Dallas Cowboys backups in Week 1, he seemingly was only guaranteed to get better. At least, it could not have gotten much more painful for fans to watch. However, despite the slow start, he managed to clean up his performance in the most important category.
He completed 17 of 31 passes for 213 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also won the game against one of the Rams’ biggest preseason rivals. If one forgets the fact that it was a preseason game, Bennett put forth a typical backup quarterback stat line in the regular season.
Of course, this was merely against backups and the statistics likely would only get worse if one puts in starters. However, it does deliver some level of hope for Bennett. That said, if the preseason were to end today, Les Snead would need to take a hard look at the open market. Luckily for Bennett, he likely has one last chance to improve his stock.
Stetson Bennett faces make-or-break moment in final preseason game
Bennett remains with the franchise at the time of writing, so the odds appear high that he will play in Week 3 of the preseason. This game could decide everything for Bennett this year. Thus far, he has improved in his first two showings. If he improves again, the team might chalk up his first start to rust and only look at his final two games.
However, if he implodes again, the body of work leaves little choice but for the Rams to move on. At this point, with Jimmy Garoppolo in the building, one could make the case that the Rams are prepared to move on if they feel they need to. If Bennett can make the case that he’s worth keeping around as a developmental project quarterback, the Rams might take him up on that.
Of course, by keeping him on, the Rams also shut the door to taking another project quarterback around. That’s what Bennett is up against. He needs to convince the Rams that he’s the better option or at least the more convenient option than another project quarterback sitting on the open market.
