Bennett Shines as Rams Blank Saints 34-0; Backup QB Battle Unresolved
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stetson Bennett made a compelling case for the Rams' backup quarterback role on Saturday, steering Los Angeles to a 34-0 preseason shutout of the New Orleans Saints. Bennett, who has never appeared in a regular-season game across four seasons with the Rams, completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and added two rushing touchdowns before halftime. The former Georgia star, widely expected to serve as Matthew Stafford's primary understudy, displayed poise and mobility, diving for the pylon on the Rams' first score and later scrambling in for another. His four sustained drives built a 20-point halftime lead that the defense protected with ease. Rookie Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick, entered in the third quarter and managed the offense competently, though he saw less action than in his impressive debut against Kansas City a week earlier. The Rams rested their entire starting lineup, adhering to head coach Sean McVay's longstanding philosophy of preserving key players throughout the preseason. Across the field, the Saints' quarterback competition remained murky. Zach Wilson, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick now on his fourth team, started but managed only 6 completions on 12 attempts for 55 yards and an interception to AZ Hamilton in the second quarter. Spencer Rattler, who started 14 games for New Orleans over the past two seasons, took over in the second half and showed more life, engineering a lengthy drive that stalled at the goal line. His pass intended for Treyton Welch was picked off by Rams safety Alex Cook, who returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Rattler later drove the Saints deep into Rams territory again, but a forced fumble by undrafted rookie linebacker Wesley Bailey ended the threat. New Orleans even attempted a 39-yard field goal in the final minute to avoid a shutout, but kicker Tanner Brown missed wide. The Saints, who have trained on the West Coast for the past week, did not play their projected starters for the second consecutive preseason game. The loss dropped the Saints to 0-2 in exhibition play, while the Rams improved to 2-0. Both teams will conclude their preseason schedules next week: New Orleans visits the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, and Los Angeles hosts the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, though the Rams will be designated as the road team. The Saints' joint practice with the Cowboys earlier this month ended in a brawl that resulted in $500,000 fines for each team, adding an extra layer of tension to their upcoming matchup.
Article commentary
The Rams' 34-0 demolition of the Saints offers a glimpse into two franchises at different stages of their preseason preparation. For Los Angeles, the performance of Stetson Bennett is a significant positive. The fourth-year quarterback, who has never taken a regular-season snap, has consistently flashed strong preseason form. Against New Orleans, he demonstrated the kind of dual-threat capability that could be vital if Matthew Stafford misses time. Bennett's ability to extend plays and finish drives with his legs — he scored on a dive to the pylon and a scramble — suggests he has developed a command of the offense that goes beyond mere game management. However, preseason success must be weighed carefully. Bennett has played primarily against backups and vanilla defensive schemes. The true test will come when the regular season begins and defensive coordinators game-plan for his tendencies. The Rams' decision to rest virtually all starters, following McVay's established pattern, may limit the team's rhythm heading into the season, but the health of key players like Stafford, Aaron Donald, and Cooper Kupp remains the priority. The young core, including Simpson, is gaining valuable reps, albeit in a controlled environment. For the Saints, the quarterback picture is far less clear. Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler each had opportunities to seize the backup role behind Tyler Shough, but neither did. Wilson's stat line was unremarkable, and his interception underscored his well-documented issues with decision-making under pressure. Rattler, while showing better movement and arm talent, was undone by a goal-line interception and a fumble forced by an undrafted rookie. The Saints' offensive line, composed largely of second- and third-stringers, struggled to create running lanes and protect the quarterbacks. The absence of any first-team players on offense made it difficult to assess the true potential of the unit. The two goal-line turnovers are particularly concerning, as they suggest a lack of execution in critical situations. New Orleans also missed a short field goal, highlighting special teams inconsistency. The Saints will need to resolve their backup quarterback competition quickly, ideally before the season opener. Their final preseason game against the Cowboys, who have already shown a willingness to mix it up physically, could provide a sharper test. The $500,000 in fines from the previous joint practice adds a layer of psychological edge, but the Saints need tangible progress on the field. From a broader perspective, this preseason game reinforces the gap in depth between the two teams. The Rams' second and third units outplayed the Saints' equivalents convincingly. While preseason results rarely translate directly to the regular season, they do reflect organizational depth and coaching effectiveness. The Rams, under McVay, have built a culture that emphasizes competition and preparation, even among backups. The Saints, under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, are still searching for an identity. The Rams' ability to maintain a 34-0 shutout, even against a diminished Saints attack, speaks to the defensive scheme's adaptability. The Saints' inability to score, despite multiple drives into Rams territory, indicates a lack of finishing ability that could haunt them in close regular-season games. As both teams finalize their rosters, the Rams appear more settled, while the Saints face lingering questions at quarterback, offensive line, and special teams. The preseason may not matter in the standings, but for teams like New Orleans, the answers it provides — or fails to provide — can shape the trajectory of the entire season.