It is rare for a rookie to take control of his debut the way Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson did, as the first-round pick led the Rams to a preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday with an incredible performance.
However, two-time Super Bowl champion Anthony “Booger” McFarland remains unconvinced about Simpson’s potential.
Booger McFarland Makes Bold Ty Simpson Claim Despite Rams Rookie’s Strong Start
Simpson turned in one of the strongest performances by a rookie quarterback during the opening week of the preseason. After Stetson Bennett handled the first quarter, Simpson took over and completed 21 of his 25 pass attempts for 190 yards across the final three quarters. He threw two touchdown passes without an interception, finishing with a 125.0 passer rating.
One preseason game does not settle the QB2 competition, but Simpson’s strong debut certainly helped his standing. The Rams also will be feeling at ease seeing Simpson shining, as they picked him with the No. 13 overall pick, a selection many deemed to be a reach.
At the time, former draft scout Daniel Kelly said he thought Simpson was drafted way too high, projecting him as a career backup in the NFL.
McFarland also remains unconvinced by the excitement surrounding Simpson despite his preseason performance.
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“I still think it was a bad pick because I still think at some point the Rams are going to look back and wish they had a player that could contribute now this season,” McFarland said. “And I get it. Like everybody, we are so prisoners of the moment.
“As soon as something happens right now, we’re ready to put him in the Hall of Fame. Like this is a preseason game one. It is August 16th.”
Leading into the preseason, there were already concerns about Simpson’s long-term outlook, as reports from training camp said he had not clearly separated himself from Bennett in the race for the backup job.
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Simpson’s outing came as a surprise to many, considering Bennett had been seen as the favorite to secure the backup role behind Matthew Stafford.
Simpson’s preseason debut at least helped quiet some of the doubts, as he looked composed throughout the game, avoided costly mistakes, and never appeared overwhelmed by the moment.
There is still plenty of development ahead for Simpson, as he started only 15 games at Alabama and remains an inexperienced passer despite possessing solid athletic ability.
With PFN QB Impact’s No. 2 QB Stafford firmly entrenched as Los Angeles’ starter, Simpson is not expected to see meaningful playing time this season unless an injury or another unforeseen circumstance propels him into action.
For now, his focus will be on continuing to build on his preseason performance and proving critics like McFarland wrong.
