“Stetson Bennett Surging at Rams Camp: Former Georgia Star Outshining Jimmy Garoppolo in Battle for QB2 Role Behind Matthew Stafford”

Stetson Bennett’s football journey has always defied expectations. From walk-on to national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs, the quarterback affectionately known as “The Mailman” has repeatedly delivered when most assumed he wouldn’t. Now, as the NFL world turns its attention to training camp battles across the league, Bennett is once again pushing the narrative forward—this time with the Los Angeles Rams. Not content to be a forgotten name behind Super Bowl-winning starter Matthew Stafford and veteran signee Jimmy Garoppolo, Bennett is making headlines and surging into serious consideration for the team’s QB2 role.

At Rams training camp, the competition has taken on a tone that few outside the organization expected. While many analysts penciled in Garoppolo as Stafford’s primary backup when the former 49ers and Raiders quarterback signed with Los Angeles this offseason, early struggles and unfamiliarity with the offense have opened the door for Bennett. According to reports from The Athletic, Bennett has made significant strides in command, poise, and processing speed—enough to turn heads at every level of the coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. “He’s processing things quicker. He’s seeing the field better. He looks like a guy who’s been working,” LaFleur said. That endorsement carries weight, especially in a training camp defined by internal evaluation, and it highlights just how seriously Bennett has approached his sophomore NFL season.

What makes this development even more compelling is the contrast in trajectory between Bennett and Garoppolo. While the latter entered camp with years of starting experience under his belt—including playoff appearances and a Super Bowl run—he has reportedly struggled to find rhythm in the Rams’ offensive system. Whether it’s adjusting to the terminology, syncing with unfamiliar receivers, or simply shaking off the rust of a turbulent stint in Las Vegas, Garoppolo has not looked like the dependable veteran the Rams hoped he would be. That’s not to say he’s completely out of the mix, but the door is wide open, and Bennett is charging through it.

For Bennett, the rise in confidence and on-field execution comes after a complicated rookie year that saw him step away from football for undisclosed personal reasons. That absence created questions about his future and whether the Rams would look elsewhere for developmental depth. But instead of fading from the spotlight, Bennett reemerged at camp as a refocused and sharper version of himself. Teammates and coaches have noted the difference—not just in his play, but in his demeanor. He’s taken command in the huddle, been crisp in 7-on-7 and full-squad reps, and has shown the kind of quick decision-making that’s critical in head coach Sean McVay’s offensive system.

What’s perhaps most encouraging is Bennett’s comfort in doing what he always did best in college: making the right play at the right time. He’s not a cannon-armed gunslinger nor the biggest quarterback on the field, but he excels in anticipation, timing, and extending plays when the pocket collapses. His mobility has been a notable asset in training camp, allowing him to make off-schedule throws and keep the chains moving in situational drills. That improvisational ability, paired with his growing grasp of the playbook, gives the Rams a different dynamic behind Stafford—one that doesn’t rely purely on experience but on instinct and growth.

Of course, camp isn’t the regular season, and there’s a long way to go before depth charts are finalized. Preseason games will offer both quarterbacks the stage to prove their worth under pressure. But it’s telling that the buzz surrounding Bennett isn’t just media chatter—it’s rooted in what the Rams are seeing on the field every day. When a second-year quarterback earns consistent praise from the coaching staff, especially with a respected football mind like LaFleur calling it out publicly, it signals that the internal tide may be shifting.

The Rams, still trying to balance the window of contention with long-term roster sustainability, have reasons to be encouraged by Bennett’s development. With Stafford approaching the twilight of his career and durability questions lingering, the team’s backup quarterback is more than just a clipboard holder—it could be a critical piece of the team’s 2025 and beyond outlook. If Bennett continues to trend upward, he may well cement himself not just as Stafford’s immediate backup but as a viable bridge or future starter option should the Rams eventually look to transition.

Garoppolo, for all his experience, is still fighting to carve out his role in this offense. While his knowledge of NFL defenses and in-game poise should not be discounted, the early signs suggest a steeper learning curve than expected. And in the NFL, where youth, upside, and scheme fit often trump resumes, the Rams won’t hesitate to ride the hot hand. Bennett’s edge lies in his familiarity with McVay’s conceptual approach, his natural leadership, and his history of overcoming challenges—traits that have served him well since his college days.

What’s also notable is how this storyline is shaping public perception. Bennett, once considered too small or too system-dependent to succeed at the professional level, is steadily rewriting that narrative with every accurate throw and well-executed rep. The Rams bet on his football IQ, competitiveness, and ability to rise in big moments when they drafted him, and now that investment is beginning to pay off. His performance at camp isn’t just solid for a young quarterback—it’s standing out, period.

Bennett’s story has always been one of persistence and proving people wrong. After transferring, walking on, and waiting behind blue-chip prospects at Georgia, he eventually emerged as the heart and soul of back-to-back national championship teams. That same tenacity is now on display in Thousand Oaks, where he’s once again the underdog pushing through the ranks. While others may have doubted his NFL ceiling, Bennett seems determined to let his play do the talking. And right now, the message is clear—he belongs.

The Rams’ quarterback room may yet undergo further changes before the regular season kicks off. Injuries, preseason performance, and front office decisions could all play a role in how the pecking order shakes out. But as it stands, Bennett is not just competing—he’s leading. He’s pushing Garoppolo. He’s impressing LaFleur. He’s putting real pressure on the coaching staff to reconsider their assumptions. In a league driven by merit and momentum, that’s the best-case scenario for any young player looking to stick.

Training camp battles like this are often won by small margins: a crucial red-zone rep, a perfectly placed throw under pressure, a smart audible that leads to a touchdown. Bennett has stacked enough of those moments to move the needle, and if he continues on this trajectory, the Rams may find themselves with a very different quarterback hierarchy than anyone predicted in the spring.

Ultimately, the Rams’ decision will come down to trust. Can Stetson Bennett be trusted to manage a game, protect the football, and operate the offense if Stafford is unavailable? So far, the answer looks more and more like yes. And in a league where backup quarterbacks often determine seasons, that answer could be one of the most important conclusions of the Rams’ 2025 camp. Bennett hasn’t just arrived—he’s competing to stay. And if history is any indication, betting against him might not be the smartest play.