Ty Simpson delivers an efficient NFL debut
The Rams’ first preseason game gave fans their first extended look at rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. The former Alabama standout took over late in the first quarter against Kansas City.
Simpson helped lead Los Angeles to a 20-12 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. His performance included several notable moments that quickly put his NFL debut in the spotlight.
The Rams drafted Simpson 13th overall
Los Angeles selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading with Atlanta for the selection. The Rams made him the second quarterback chosen in the draft.
Simpson arrived from Alabama after starting 15 games during his college career. His final Alabama season included 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions across 15 games.
Stetson Bennett started the opener
Stetson Bennett opened the game at quarterback for Los Angeles and played the first 2 offensive series. He completed 4 of 6 passes for 38 yards before Simpson entered with 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Simpson then handled most of the Rams’ offensive snaps for the rest of the game. The extended workload gave him his first live NFL game experience against Kansas City.
Simpson settled into the Rams offense
On his second offensive series, Simpson completed 3 straight bootleg passes, producing 39 total yards. The Rams used play-action, rollouts and movement throws as part of his early workload.
He also used shorter throws on several third downs instead of forcing deeper attempts. NFL.com documented that approach as part of an efficient performance that produced 2 touchdowns without an interception.
His first touchdown went to Dean Connors
Simpson threw his first preseason touchdown in the fourth quarter after Xavier Smith returned a punt 40 yards to the Kansas City 23-yard line. On the ensuing 4-play drive, Simpson finished the possession with a 9-yard screen pass to Connors for the score.
Connors was the target on both of Simpson’s touchdown passes against Kansas City. The running back’s 2 receiving touchdowns accounted for all of Simpson’s scoring throws in the preseason opener.
The second touchdown came on a later drive
Simpson produced his second touchdown pass during a fourth-quarter drive after completing several downfield throws against the Chiefs’ secondary. He then looked off coverage before finding Connors on a backside angle route.
The touchdown completed an 87-yard Rams drive that included a 22-yard pass to Mark Redman and a 16-yard completion to CJ Daniels. Simpson finished the possession with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Connors, extending Los Angeles’ lead to 20-9.
The Rams finished with a fourth-quarter rally
Los Angeles entered the fourth quarter trailing Kansas City 9-6 before scoring 14 points in the final period. Simpson directed the offense during the quarter and delivered both of his touchdown passes in that stretch.
The Rams defense limited Kansas City to a field goal in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles finished the preseason opener with a 20-12 victory, giving the team a 1-0 preseason record.
Interesting fact: In Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Sean McVay praised Simpson’s command
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Simpson had command of the offense and moved through progressions effectively. McVay also said Simpson took what the defense provided and read plays with his feet.
McVay’s comments followed an outing in which Simpson completed 84% of his passes. The quarterback’s 21 completions came on 25 attempts, producing 190 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Interesting fact: The Rams were the NFL’s first major sports team to move to the West Coast.
The rookie avoided major mistakes
Simpson’s first series included a high snap that he bobbled before recovering and throwing the ball out of bounds. After that play, he avoided turnovers and completed 20 of his final 23 passing attempts.
His only notably errant throw afterward came on an off-balance Hail Mary attempt at the end of the first half. NFL.com reported that Simpson was hit as he released the pass, which fell incomplete.
His efficiency drew national attention
NFL.com gave Simpson an A grade in its Week 1 rookie quarterback evaluations after the Rams’ victory. The league site highlighted his completion total, touchdown passes, and decision-making throughout the game.
ESPN also included Simpson among its Week 1 takeaways after he completed 21 of 25 attempts. His debut became part of the broader preseason discussion surrounding several rookie quarterbacks across the NFL.
The performance came against reserve-heavy units
Most of Simpson’s snaps came after the Chiefs had moved beyond their initial defensive group. The Associated Press reported that much of his production came against third- and fourth-string players.
That context is part of evaluating any preseason performance because teams rotate players extensively. Simpson’s final numbers remain official, while his regular-season role will be determined later by the Rams’ coaching staff.
Matthew Stafford remains the Rams starter
Matthew Stafford remains Los Angeles’ starting quarterback entering the 2026 season. The Rams used Bennett and Simpson in the preseason opener while keeping their established starter out of the game.
Before the opener, Bennett had been taking first-team snaps when Stafford was held out during practice. Simpson’s debut therefore provided additional information for the Rams’ quarterback depth rather than changing the team’s stated starting position.
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Simpson now moves toward the next preseason test
The Rams left Kansas City with a 20-12 victory and will continue their preseason schedule after Simpson’s debut. Los Angeles’ next preseason game is scheduled for August 22 against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.
Through the opener, Simpson has an official preseason line of 21 completions on 25 attempts, 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. Los Angeles will continue evaluating him before the regular season begins.
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What did you think of Ty Simpson’s preseason debut? Like this slideshow and comment: Do you think the Rams rookie can make an impact during his first NFL season?
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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