Ty Simpson Just Quieted a Lot of Doubters With a Stellar Rams Preseason Debut
Ty Simpson could not have asked for a much better first impression.
The former Alabama quarterback made his NFL preseason debut Saturday night and immediately gave Los Angeles Rams fans a reason to believe the organization may have found its quarterback of the future. Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception, helping the Rams defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in their preseason opener.
That performance matters because Simpson entered the preseason under an unusually bright spotlight. The Rams selected him No. 13 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision that surprised plenty of observers. With Matthew Stafford coming off an MVP-caliber 2025 season, some questioned why Los Angeles would use such a valuable pick on a quarterback rather than add another immediate weapon around its veteran starter.
Simpson’s debut offered an early answer.
The rookie looked comfortable operating Sean McVay’s offense. Rather than trying to force spectacular throws, Simpson consistently made the right decisions, delivered accurate passes and kept the offense moving. His 21 completions on 25 attempts showed impressive efficiency, particularly for a player experiencing his first NFL game action.
The two touchdown passes were the obvious highlights. Both went to running back Dean Connors, including a nine-yard scoring strike that demonstrated Simpson’s ability to find an open target in the red zone.
Perhaps more encouraging than the statistics was Simpson’s overall poise.
There were plenty of reasons for nerves. He was playing in his first professional game, surrounded largely by players fighting for roster spots, while facing a Chiefs defense featuring players competing for their own opportunities. Yet Simpson rarely looked overwhelmed.
That composure is particularly important for a quarterback the Rams view as part of their long-term plan.
Stafford has already made it clear that he understands why Los Angeles drafted Simpson. The veteran quarterback previously said he knows he is not 25 anymore and believes Simpson can benefit from watching him and backup Stetson Bennett.
Saturday provided perhaps the first tangible evidence of why the Rams were willing to make that investment.
Simpson also benefited from solid protection and contributions from the players around him. Rookie running back Connors scored twice, while several young pass catchers and offensive linemen provided encouraging performances. That context is important because preseason success should not be mistaken for proof that Simpson is ready to replace Stafford immediately.
Still, it is difficult to ignore what the rookie accomplished.
Even Rams fans who questioned the draft decision were noticeably more optimistic after seeing Simpson operate in a real game. The excitement was evident in the team’s online community, where fans praised his accuracy, decision-making and comfort in the pocket while acknowledging that preseason competition comes with limitations.
One game will not determine Simpson’s career. It shouldn’t.
But it can change the conversation.
Before Saturday, the question was why the Rams selected Simpson so high. After his debut, the more interesting question may be how quickly he can develop into the player Los Angeles believes he can become.
For now, the Rams have exactly what they wanted: a promising first glimpse of their future.
Ty Simpson didn’t prove everything Saturday night. But he certainly gave the doubters a lot less to talk about.
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