Inglewood, California—Stetson Bennett, the former star quarterback for the University of Georgia, made his professional debut in a preseason game for the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the lower stakes compared to his college career, Bennett’s performance was impressive and should instill confidence in the Rams’ coaching staff.
Bennett threw for 191 yards and a touchdown in the game held at the same stadium where he led the Bulldogs to a national championship victory just seven months prior. Speaking about his first NFL action, Bennett said, “It was fun to finally get out there and honestly get hit. I’m not going to win many of those, but it’s good to feel like a football player again. It’s fun to get out there and compete.”
Entering the game in the second quarter, Bennett immediately led a 16-play, 75-yard drive that included some close calls with interceptions but ultimately resulted in an 11-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Puka Nacua. Bennett continued to impress in the second half, leading two more scoring drives and finishing the game with a 17 for 29 completion rate and no interceptions. While he made a few mistakes, Bennett showcased his ability to overcome them and perform under pressure.
On the other side, Max Duggan, another former college quarterback from TCU, made his debut for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Duggan had fewer opportunities to showcase his skills, throwing for only 19 yards and rushing for 20 yards. Bennett’s performance was undoubtedly more noteworthy.
Bennett took over after Brett Rypien, the Rams’ new veteran backup, couldn’t find his rhythm, completing only three passes in the team’s first three offensive series. Although Bennett’s first few throws were shaky, he quickly found his rhythm and connected with Nacua for a touchdown. He then led a 74-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter.
Coach Sean McVay praised Bennett, saying, “I thought he did a nice job. There were some tough situations, but you could see the athleticism where he escaped.” McVay now knows he can rely on Bennett if needed to step in for starting quarterback Matthew Stafford during regular-season games.
For the Chargers, Duggan’s former TCU teammates made significant contributions. Derius Davis returned a punt for an impressive 81-yard touchdown, reminiscent of the Chargers’ loss in the College Football Playoff title game. Quentin Johnston, the Chargers’ first-round pick, caught an eight-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, adding to the team’s success.
Despite the Chargers’ commendable performances, Bennett’s busy and successful debut overshadowed Duggan’s more limited involvement. Bennett’s early struggles didn’t deter him from delivering when it mattered most.
Looking ahead, both teams have more preseason games to prepare for. The Chargers will host the New Orleans Saints on August 20, while the Rams will face the Las Vegas Raiders on August 19.
In conclusion, Stetson Bennett’s debut showcased his talent and ability to perform under pressure, providing the Los Angeles Rams with confidence in his capacity to succeed at the professional level. Despite some hiccups, Bennett’s performance demonstrated his resilience and potential as an NFL quarterback.
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