Stetson Bennett's football
journey took an unforeseen detour in 2023, leaving him sidelined for nearly a
year without playing in an actual game. That pause ended with Sunday's practice
opener, where Bennett's Rams faced off against the Dallas Cowboys.
Unsurprisingly, Bennett be seen signs of rust, throwing four captures. However,
he also displayed the flexibility that helped him secure national titles at
Georgia, leading the Rams on a 13-play, 70-yard drive that climax in a
game-winning touchdown pass to Miller Forristall with just four seconds left in
regulation.
Bennett's football career has
been explained by overcoming challenges, from walking on at Georgia, leaving
and returning as a scholarship player, to taking most of his rookie year in the
NFL off to address his mental health. Sunday's game was no dissimilar.
"That was probably the preternatural
game that I've been a part of," Bennett said afterward, according to The related
Press. "But I told myself today we're gonna roll with the thumps. My goal
was to not make any mental errors, just to run the offense correctly.
"There were some lapses,
obviously, but in the end, it was get the ball in the end zone or you lose, and
I think everybody fought to do it." Bennett's determination was evident,
as he shook off the four turnovers and delivered a crucial side-armed throw to
Forristall for the winning score. While it's never ideal to throw four picks in
a game, Bennett's persistence in finding a way to win is a positive sign of
growth.
"Obviously, we want to
minimize the turnovers, but it didn't really shock me," Rams head coach
Sean McVay said. "We were talking on the headset as coaches, and it's
like, you know what? He's the type of guy that's in all probability gonna go
lead us on a game-winning touchdown drive, and Stetson did a great job."
Fortunately for Bennett, he was
the only Rams quarterback to play Sunday, giving him all four quarters to shake
off the corrode. He built a strong link with promising receiver Jordan
Whittington, who impressed with a six-catch, 74-yard presentation. And with his
nearly flawless game-winning drive, Bennett cleared a significant hurdle after
spending so much time away from the game.
Though these preseason games
don't count in the standings, Bennett can consider this a personal victory.
