Overview
- Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in a 20-12 win that he influenced during the Rams’ preseason game on Saturday.
- Coach Sean McVay praised Simpson’s command and progress through reads, and veteran Matthew Stafford told the rookie to “just go let it rip” before the game.
- Pro Football Focus gave Simpson a strong 78.1 grade with an adjusted completion rate above 90 percent and ranked him highly among 2026 rookie QBs.
- The performance widened the spotlight on the Rams’ backup battle by contrasting Simpson’s efficient outing with starter Stetson Bennett’s low PFF grade, and team officials plan more padded practices and preseason reps to decide the QB2 role.
- The Rams drafted Simpson at No. 13 in April as a long-term succession plan behind Stafford, so analysts urge caution because preseason success is not a reliable predictor of regular-season performance.