Grading Ty Simpson’s performance vs. Chargers

Grading Ty Simpson's performance vs. Chargers Simpson concluded the preseason on a high note with another outstanding performance for the Rams.

Key points

• He was replaced by Matthew Caldwell in the third quarter, finishing the night with another quality stat line: 18-for-23, 119 yards and one touchdown with no turnovers.
• The Los Angeles Rams offered Stetson Bennett the night off in Thursday's preseason finale, starting Ty Simpson in his place.
• 3 quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Bennett, this was probable Simpson's last game until next August.
• Throughout the night, Simpson was comfortable in the pocket, and even when he was pressured, he didn't panic.
• On his final two drives, there were a few more inaccuracies than earlier in the game, completing seven of his final 11 passes.

Notably, the Los Angeles Rams offered Stetson Bennett the night off in Thursday's preseason finale, starting Ty Simpson in his place. It was Simpson's first start of the preseason, allowing the rookie to feel what it's like to take the first snaps of a game.

Knowing he's probably the No. 3 quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Bennett, this was probable Simpson's last game until next August. Things would have to go terribly sideways for the Rams in order for Simpson to play meaningful snaps, so the team hopes he'll be on the shelf for all of 2026.

He picked up where he left off in the first two preseason games, looking sharp and confident once again on Thursday night. The Rams moved the pocket with some roll-outs and play-action fakes, getting Simpson into a rhythm. But there were additionally enough straight drop-backs to provide him some pro-style looks.

He did a great job spreading the ball around, hitting six different receivers on the first three drives. He began the game a near-perfect 11-for-12 passing, and the one incompletion was a dropped pass by Tyler Scott on a ball that was slightly high. The Rams' third possession was their best one of the first quarter, going 79 yards in 17 plays, but they did come up empty after getting stuffed on four straight running plays from inside the 5.

Nate Scheelhaase took the ball out of Simpson's hands and ran it four times in a row with Dean Connors and Jordan Waters, much to the frustration of fans.

Simpson came out firing on the next drive and created his best throw of the preseason for a touchdown. He faced quick pressure from the Chargers, rolled out to his left and threw a dime to Brennan Presley on the run in the end zone. It indicated off his athleticism, arm strength and accuracy off-platform. It are all notable traits for a quarterback.

Throughout the night, Simpson was comfortable in the pocket, and even when he was pressured, he didn't panic. He didn't take off sooner than he should have, nor did he stand there oblivious to the defenders around him.

For a rookie, it was impressive to see him stand tall in the pocket and create throws when a lot of other guys would've swiftly tucked the ball and run.

On his final two drives, there were a few more inaccuracies than earlier in the game, completing seven of his final 11 passes. He tried to force a throw to CJ Daniels in the corner of the end zone on third down in the red zone, despite the receiver being double-covered. On the next play, Alex Bachman was his target on a fade route, but Simpson threw it out of bounds and didn't offer his receiver a chance.

He then had a coaching lesson with Sean McVay on the sideline afterwards, with the coach giving him a few tips.

Simpson's night (essentially) concluded at halftime. He was replaced by Matthew Caldwell in the third quarter, finishing the night with another quality stat line: 18-for-23, 119 yards and one touchdown with no turnovers. His passer rating was 102.7, and he rushed for 11 yards on two carries. Simpson did have to re-enter the game late in the fourth quarter after Caldwell was shaken up on a run play, but didn't throw a pass.

He didn't take any real deep shots or push the ball downfield much, but for the third straight week, he took what the defense offered him. He checked it down when he couldn't find anyone open and allowed his receivers to pick up yards after the catch.

If this is the last time we see Simpson until next preseason, he concluded his first summer on a high note with a solid performance. SMS Facebook Twitter Email.

In short, grading Ty Simpsons performance vs. Chargers is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.