Stetson Bennett's Debut in NFL: Rams Suffer 34-17 Preseason Loss to Chargers

Stetson Bennett impresses in his first NFL game, passing for 191 yards and a touchdown for the Los Angeles Rams.

Stetson Bennett, the former Georgia star quarterback, made his professional debut for the Los Angeles Rams in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite playing in a quieter setting compared to his college games, Bennett still felt the thrill of being on the field. His performance, which included 191 passing yards and a touchdown, showcased his ability to excel at the next level.

Bennett entered the game in the second quarter and immediately led a 16-play, 75-yard drive that had its fair share of challenges, including three near-interceptions. However, he managed to connect with fellow rookie Puka Nacua for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Bennett continued to lead successful drives in the second half, finishing the game with 17 completions out of 29 attempts and no interceptions. While he made some mistakes, he also demonstrated his ability to overcome them and adapt to the game.

In comparison, Max Duggan, the former TCU quarterback who made his debut for the Chargers, had a less eventful game. Duggan threw for 19 yards and rushed for 20 yards, mostly handing off the ball. Both quarterbacks are competing for backup positions with their respective teams, but Bennett had a busier game and more opportunities to showcase his skills.

Bennett's debut wasn't without its challenges. His first few throws were shaky, with two near-interceptions and an incompletion. However, he quickly settled into the game and found his rhythm. Rams coach Sean McVay praised Bennett's performance, noting his athleticism and ability to escape difficult situations.

While Duggan had a quieter game, a couple of his former and current teammates made significant plays for the Chargers. Derius Davis returned a punt for an 81-yard touchdown, showcasing his speed and agility. Quentin Johnston, another former TCU player, caught an 8-yard touchdown pass. Elijah Dotson, an undrafted rookie from Northern Colorado, had two impressive touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.

Overall, the game provided a platform for both Bennett and Duggan to showcase their skills and compete for backup positions. Bennett's solid outing should boost the Rams' confidence in his ability to perform at the professional level. Despite the challenges and mistakes, Bennett showed resilience and adaptability, which are crucial qualities for a quarterback. The preseason game served as a valuable opportunity for these young quarterbacks to gain experience and make their case for a spot on the roster.