Rams Rookie Ty Simpson Shows Patience During Training Camp

Ty Simpson did not try to turn every opportunity into a highlight during the Los Angeles Rams‘ first public training camp practice.

Instead, the rookie quarterback showed an early willingness to operate within the structure of the offense, communicate before the snap, and take the completions available to him.

Matthew Stafford led the first-team offense, while Stetson Bennett initially worked with the second group. The Rams did not appear to use a clearly defined third-team unit, allowing Simpson to rotate into the second-team offense during Monday’s session.

Simpson was also seen getting additional work before and between team periods.

During one rep, Simpson motioned to teammates and communicated at the line of scrimmage before the snap. It was difficult to determine whether he was adjusting the play, setting the protection or confirming an assignment, but the sequence showed his involvement in operating the offense rather than simply waiting for instructions.

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Sean McVay came away encouraged by how Simpson and Bennett handled those responsibilities.

“I thought yesterday was good,” McVay said. “I thought both he and Stetson did a really nice job. There were a couple procedural issues, but I don’t think it was a reflection of some of the things that those guys can control.”

Still An Open Contest For Rams Backup Role

Simpson’s approach after the snap was similarly controlled.

He completed a crossing route to tight end Mark Redman, connected with rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson and took a checkdown to running back Jordan Waters. Simpson also appeared to look toward fellow rookie tight end Max Klare frequently during his opportunities.

Blake Corum surprisingly received work in the backfield during some of Simpson’s snaps as well, giving the rookie quarterback opportunities to operate alongside players from different parts of the offensive rotation.

Simpson did not appear interested in forcing the ball into covered areas or pushing throws downfield when a safer option was available.

That approach may not generate the loudest reactions from the crowd, but it represents a sensible starting point for a young quarterback learning McVay’s complex offense.

Simpson’s early objective is not to prove he can replace Stafford or win the backup job in one practice. It is to process information quickly, communicate clearly and avoid unnecessary mistakes while developing into a potential long-term option behind the reigning MVP.

McVay believes Simpson has the right environment around him to grow into that role.

“I think Ty’s in a great situation to be around some great people to learn from,” McVay said.

Bennett remains ahead of Simpson in the early rotation, largely because of his previous experience in the offense. He received the majority of the second-team work, but McVay confirmed that Simpson remains involved in the evaluation behind Stafford.

“Stetson got the majority of those reps with the second group today, but Ty came in and did a nice job with the one set that he did have,” McVay said. “We’ll just continue to evaluate.”

Training camp will give both quarterbacks opportunities to state their cases. Bennett has the advantage of familiarity, while Simpson offers the Rams a developmental option who could eventually take the reins from Stafford.

Regardless of who wins the immediate backup job, both quarterbacks could remain on the roster. The Rams have shown a willingness to carry three quarterbacks in recent seasons, particularly when one of them represents a longer-term developmental investment.

Simpson’s first public practice did not include a signature deep completion or a series of spectacular throws. What it did provide was an early look at a rookie who appeared comfortable taking what the defense gave him and managing the responsibilities placed in front of him.

For a developmental quarterback in his first NFL training camp, that patience and command represent a positive first step.