Former Georgia star Stetson Bennett has gone to work this offseason in hopes of proving he can be an NFL quarterback. Bennett put together a strong performance in the Los Angeles Rams’ first preseason game, and afterward he praised a former fellow Dawg for the example he’s provided.
Bennett had a strong outing in the Rams’ 31-21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, as he was 16-of-24 through the air for 188 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Bennett received considerable attention for his performance, and in the postgame he credited starter Matthew Stafford for showing him how to handle the role.
“I don’t think there could be a better guy in the room than Matthew. You know, a guy who’s seen it all, been through it all, highs and lows,” Bennett said via TheRams.com. “Just the way he goes out and handles each day, people throw it around, but he’s a total pro. Nine’s nine [referring to Stafford’s jersey number], and I try to learn as much from him and just apply it the best I can.”
Bennett is hoping to stick on the Los Angeles roster for the third straight season. He’s part of a quarterback room featuring Stafford, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, and former UT Martin quarterback Dresser Winn. The Rams’ backup situation is especially important this offseason as Stafford has dealt with a back injury.
Based on what Rams head coach Sean McVay had to say on Saturday, he came away impressed with what Bennett put out on the field.
“I thought he got through some progressions really well today. He hit Drake Stoops on a backside in-cut, seeing the field really well, even just being able to hit Brennan Presley on that corner on the keeper down in the tight red area,” McVay said via TheRams.com. “He did a great job of executing on the third-and-1 hitting the little skate route off the boot. He was awesome, and I loved how he responded after — it was a hell of a pick that they made when we tried to push the ball down the field.
“He was awesome and he was totally present. I love what I saw from him.”
McVay pointed out that a positive from Stafford’s limited availability at practice is how many reps Bennett and Garoppolo have received in Stafford’s absence. McVay told reporters that Stafford threw more than 60 passes on Saturday and that there were no limits to the types of throws he made.
Bennett did his part on Saturday to show that he belongs on the Rams’ roster. He’ll look to replicate that success on Saturday when the Rams take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
