The Los Angeles Rams began their preseason schedule with a 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs thanks in part to Ty Simpson’s impressive NFL debut.
The rookie quarterback completed 21 of his 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover. He entered the game at the end of the first quarter after Stetson Bennett played the first two series and led the offense the rest of the way.
Simpson revealed that he didn’t have any pregame jitters and felt confident in his first NFL action, via Zach Edwards of TheRams.com:
“I definitely felt more comfortable than I ever had in a game,” Simpson said. “But I also didn’t know what to expect, first NFL game, first live NFL game against an NFL team. But once that first drive got done with, I was like, ‘all right, yeah, this is just like playing in the backyard in the morning.’”
Simpson is now hoping to build on his momentum in future practices and games:
“I’m just trying to prepare me for the future and try to stack days and be progressive,” Simpson said.
When the Rams used the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft on Simpson, it was met with some skepticism around the league. Simpson has been working hard to prove his doubters wrong, and at least for a little while, silenced them with his performance against the Chiefs.
Simpson will have two more preseason games this year to continue developing at quarterback and show his critics that the Rams did not make a mistake by drafting him so early.
Ty Simpson learning from Matthew Stafford
Simpson has quickly gravitated to Matthew Stafford as he prepares for his rookie season with the Rams.
The veteran quarterback has taken Simpson under his wing, helping him get adjusted to the NFL and answering any questions that come his way.
Simpson praised Stafford for being so open to mentoring him and said he has learned more from the 38-year-old than he did in his four college seasons.
“It’s the same thing I did in college, except it’s a different level,” Simpson told Taylor Lewan of “Bussin’ With The Boys.” “I’ve learned more ball in the last four months of being with him than I had in four years of being in college. He’s just so, like, cerebral. Just understands and he’s so smart with everything. It’s so cool. I appreciate him so much because he’s been nothing but nice to me.”
