Ty Simpson Makes Rams' QB2 Decision Even Harder in 20-18 Win Over Chargers

If Sean McVay was hoping the Rams' preseason finale would make his backup quarterback decision easier, Ty Simpson had other plans.

The rookie quarterback delivered another impressive performance Thursday night at SoFi Stadium, helping the Rams defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-18 and finish the preseason undefeated at 3-0.

With Stetson Bennett IV not playing, Simpson started and commanded the offense for the entire first half, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

It was exactly the kind of performance that could make McVay's QB2 decision considerably more difficult.

According to the Rams, McVay told reporters during his Tuesday press conference following practice that the competition between Simpson and Bennett for the backup job remained undecided.

“We feel fortunate that you got two guys that we believe in, feel really good about,” McVay said. “One of those guys will be the backup in Australia.”

Simpson wasn't perfect. A few passes sailed beyond their intended targets, but the first-round pick repeatedly bounced back and kept the Rams moving. His best moment came in the second quarter. Facing third-and-seven from the Chargers' 11-yard line, Simpson escaped pressure, rolled to his left and found a wide-open Brennan Presley for an 11-yard touchdown. With Kicker Harrison Mevis' extra point good, it gave the Rams a 10-7 lead.

Thursday’s performance continued an impressive preseason for Simpson. In his debut against Kansas City, the Alabama product completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

Simpson wasn't the only Rams rookie making a statement. Undrafted running back Dean Connors out of Houston made perhaps his strongest argument yet for a place on the 53-man roster, rushing 18 times for 69 yards while adding three receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Connors consistently moved the chains and finished with 93 yards from scrimmage. His fourth-quarter touchdown reception from quarterback Matthew Caldwell extended the Rams' lead to 20-10. And this wasn't Connors' first preseason splash. He caught both of Simpson's touchdown passes against Kansas City.

Connors entered Thursday fighting for a roster spot. He may have left SoFi Stadium having made himself awfully difficult to cut.

Mevis was perfect on the night, connecting on both of his 27-yard field-goal attempts and finishing the preseason 6-for-6. Outside linebacker Darryl Peterson III also made his presence felt with two sacks. Peterson's biggest play came with less than a minute remaining. With the Chargers trying to complete a late comeback, Peterson forced a fumble on quarterback DJ Uiagalelei that Rams defensive end Peyton Zdroik recovered, effectively sealing the 20-18 victory. Simpson returned to the field and took the final knee.

A fitting ending for the rookie quarterback who may have just given McVay one more difficult decision to make.