30 July 2023 , 23:12
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke glowingly of Stetson Bennett as the rookie competes to secure the backup spot behind Matthew Stafford.
Back at the NFL Draft earlier this year, the Rams surprised many by picking the Georgia star Bennett, who was heavily doubted and deemed unworthy of a selection due to his untranslatable game and age. However, he impressed McVay throughout training camp as he competes alongside former fellow Bulldog, Stafford.
“He’s done good,” McVay told reporters. “I thought he had a good day today. I thought the receivers and tight ends, I thought guys made plays for him but he’s pretty steady. You know, what I really like about him is if a play doesn’t go well, he’s able to reset himself and go to the next play.
“You can definitely feel the athleticism show up that you guys saw on display throughout his career at Georgia and I think he’s getting more and more comfortable. [Quarterbacks coach] Zac Robinson does such a good job with that group in general.
“Obviously, he’s got a great example in Matthew Stafford for what it looks like, but I thought today was a real bright spot for him and over the last couple days. … I think today seemed like, and I’ll go back and look at the film, like his sharpest day at camp up to this point and it was a good day. It was good to be able to see him make some plays.”
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McVay continued to heap praise on the two-tine National Champion, insisting it was his best day yet at training camp. He added: “You could see he’s getting more comfortable with just some of the concepts because it is very different.
“Football is still football and when the ball is snapped there are some things that just kind of make sense to him. I think what you said, I think today was his best day, kind of like I mentioned. Those things I think are fair to say.”
Stetson Bennett is quickly forging a relationship with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay (AP)Stafford arrived in Los Angeles following a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions, and the veteran quarterback inspired the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVII over the Cincinnati Bengals. However, his second year with the franchise was marred by injury while the Rams struggled to a 5-12 record - the most losses ever suffered by the defending champions.
At 35 years of age, Stafford is potentially entering his final year or two with the Rams. If he continues to develop and familarise himself with McVay’s methods, Bennett could be in contenton to succeed Stafford under centre.
Bennett will likely be the backup during his rookie season, but Stafford has spoken highly of the 25-year-old’s ability. Stafford previously said: “He's got great athleticism, throws the ball well, and does a lot of things really well.”
The Rams open their 2023 season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 10.