As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for the 2026 NFL season, head coach Sean McVay has injected a dose of intrigue into the quarterback room. While the team's official depth chart lists veteran Stetson Bennett as the primary backup to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, McVay's recent comments suggest the pecking order is far from settled. Speaking to reporters on Friday, McVay revealed a nuanced view, referring to Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson as "2A and 2B," a designation that blurs the lines of conventional depth charts and hints at a strategic approach to development.
McVay's Cryptic QB Strategy
"I look at it as you like both of those are going to play," McVay said, per the California Post. "But you saw we listed Stetson as the two, Ty as the three. But I look at it as 2A and 2B." This statement marks a departure from McVay's typically clear-cut stance on backups. In previous seasons, Jimmy Garoppolo held the No. 2 role, with Bennett serving as the emergency quarterback. Now, with Simpson's rapid ascent, McVay appears to be shielding the rookie from immediate pressure while acknowledging his potential.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, McVay's "2A/2B" framing is likely a deliberate tactic to manage expectations for Simpson, who impressed during the preseason with a stellar stat line: 47 completions on 60 attempts for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions or sacks. The Rams are clearly invested in Simpson's long-term growth, and by labeling him as co-backup, McVay can keep him engaged without thrusting him into the spotlight prematurely.
The Emergency QB Role and Simpson's Future
For now, Simpson is expected to serve as the team's emergency quarterback, a role that activates only if both Stafford and Bennett are unable to play. However, McVay kept the door open for flexibility, stating, "I'll tell you when I decide who is going to be the actual two in the game. I've talked to the players about, but that's something that they're both going to continue to train regardless of who it ends up being up and who is the emergency third." This ambiguity keeps defenses guessing and allows McVay to tailor game-day decisions based on matchups and in-game situations.
From a strategic standpoint, the Rams' quarterback room is one of the NFL's most intriguing. Stafford, the reigning MVP, remains the undisputed starter, but the competition behind him is a testament to the team's depth. Bennett, who has spent years in McVay's system, offers reliability and familiarity. Simpson, on the other hand, brings raw athleticism and a promising arm, making him a tantalizing project for offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
As the Rams open their season, all eyes will be on how McVay deploys his quarterbacks. Will Bennett see the field in mop-up duty, or will Simpson get a chance to showcase his skills in live action? For now, McVay's cryptic "2A/2B" label suggests that nothing is set in stone. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this situation bears watching, as it could shape the Rams' quarterback future beyond Stafford's tenure.
Looking to represent Matthew Stafford? Grab your Matthew Stafford jersey or design a personalized NFL Jerseys at Vulius.
