Former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett returned to preseason action with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Bennett completed 24 of 38 passes for 224 passing yards. He threw a clutch touchdown pass, but also threw four interceptions.
Bennett looked effective at times and used his mobility to convert a fourth down. However, he struggled passing over the middle. Bennett forced the ball into crowds of defenders far too often and did not take care of the football.
Bennett, who played the entire game, completed a few nice passes along the sideline and showed a nice connection with rookie Jordan Whittington. Bennett delivered a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter to give the Rams a 13-12 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Bennett actually threw a fifth interception on his game-winning drive, but it was called back because of a defensive penalty.
Bennett is projected to be the Rams’ No. 3 quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garappolo, who is suspended for the first two games of the season. Bennett may only have another month to prove he is worth. The Rams could elect to go in another direction at third-string quarterback according to Rams Wire.
“Unless Bennett improves dramatically, the Rams should consider bringing in another veteran quarterback to fill in while Garoppolo is suspended,” wrote Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire.
Here’s how social media reacted to Bennett’s preseason performance against the Cowboys.
Stetson Bennett 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/75ZutqM8Bx
— juice (@LArams4L) August 11, 2024
Bennett’s game-winning touchdown pass (on fourth down)!
STETSON BENNETT IV TIES IT UP!
📺: #DALvsLAR on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/pKhdIx5D8w— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2024
Commentators talk Bennett’s mistakes
Rams QB Stetson Bennett throws his fourth interception of the game vs the Cowboys.
"It's just decision-making. And not seeing the field well, to be honest." – Mina Kimes
"All four of those interceptions look stunningly similar." – Andrew Siciliano 🏈🎙️ pic.twitter.com/6428KEyuoI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 11, 2024
Former UGA national championship quarterback weighs in
Best thing I got to see today: Rams QB Stetson Bennett dropping a game-winning dime sprinting to his left! Handed another lesson in perseverance (4 picks prior to winning throw). @680TheFan @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/lwUoWxmHRe
— buck belue (@buckbelue8) August 12, 2024
Rams writer talks Bennett’s day
Stetson Bennett on the day:
24/38
224 Yards
1 TD
4 Interceptions
1 Called Back PickThe 26 year old put together a good game winning drive despite the rough game. Good to see the bounce back but still a pretty poor performance from the 2nd year QB. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/JTJM3Jb0AN
— Reed Sutherland (@SutherlandNFL) August 11, 2024
The Rams’ next preseason game will be against the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 17 at 7:05 p.m. ET.
