Rams Preseason Recap: Backups Shine, Stafford Ready for Week 1 vs. Texans

Rams Wrap Up Preseason and Set Sights on Week 1

The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their 2025 preseason, and now the attention shifts to the games that actually count. Week 1 brings a clash against the Houston Texans, and while preseason doesn’t always reveal the full picture, it still gave us plenty of talking points.

But let’s get one thing out of the way: the Rams’ preseason grade — a “C” from CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan — might sound harsh, but in reality, it’s more of a reflection of how little we actually learned. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, Sean McVay has long treated preseason like a playground for backups and hopefuls rather than a testing ground for his starters.

Why the “C” Grade Doesn’t Really Matter

• The starters barely saw the field. In fact, most of them didn’t play at all. McVay isn’t about risking injuries in August.

• It’s about depth evaluation. The grade really represents the unknowns, not a prediction of how competitive the Rams will be when the real games start.

• Preseason ≠ Regular season. It’s worth repeating: what happens in these exhibitions hardly translates to September football.

So, that “C” wasn’t a slap in the face — more like an “incomplete” on a high school report card.

The Quarterback Situation: Stetson Bennett Steps Up

One of the bigger storylines? Seeing 2023 third-round pick Stetson Bennett IV take the bulk of snaps under center. Bennett completed nearly 69% of his throws, tallying 512 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. For a preseason stretch, that’s solid work.

• At 27, Bennett isn’t the franchise’s long-term solution.

• What he is, though, is a reliable safety net behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo.

• His command of the offense showed growth, and that bodes well if disaster strikes midseason.

Honestly, Bennett’s preseason might’ve been the highlight. Even if he’s not going to push Stafford off the throne, he proved that he can be a steady hand.

Stafford’s Return Brings Relief

Speaking of Matthew Stafford, his return to practice was one of the best sights of the summer. After missing time with a back issue, the veteran QB is back on track heading into Week 1. Rams fans know how important this is — with Stafford healthy, the ceiling stays high. Without him, the offense sputters.

The Rookies and Second-Year Guys to Watch

If preseason is about anything, it’s about getting a peek at the next wave of contributors. A few names stood out:

• Blake Corum (RB, Year 2): He racked up 54 yards and two TDs on just 13 carries. The burst is there, the vision looks sharper, and he could be a sneaky factor behind Kyren Williams.

• Terrance Ferguson (Rookie TE, Round 2): In the preseason finale, he pulled in two catches for 48 yards. It wasn’t flashy, but it was a glimpse of a guy who could grow into a real weapon, especially if Tyler Higbee misses time.

• Shaun Dolac (Undrafted LB): Though he sat out the final game, his preseason performance was strong enough that it’s hard not to see him sticking on the 53-man roster. He plays with energy and has “surprise contributor” written all over him.

What the Rams Really Learned

Here’s the reality: the Rams’ roster was pretty much set before preseason even kicked off. The exhibitions weren’t about deciding who starts; they were about:

1. Checking progress on Year 2 players. Corum and others showed they’re taking steps.

2. Finding hidden gems. Dolac might just be that guy.

3. Testing emergency depth. Bennett gave reassurance at QB.

So, what the Rams walked away with wasn’t groundbreaking news — just confirmation of what they already suspected.

McVay’s Preseason Philosophy

Sean McVay’s approach to preseason hasn’t changed since he took over:

• Protect the starters. Why risk injury in a meaningless August game?

• Develop the young guys. Get them real reps against NFL competition.

• Keep the playbook close. No reason to tip your hand before Week 1.

It’s a strategy that’s worked. The Rams don’t need to “win” in the preseason. They need to enter September healthy, fresh, and ready to roll.

Depth Is Nice, But Stars Decide the Season

At the end of the day, preseason stars like Corum or Ferguson are nice to see. But let’s be real — the Rams’ 2025 hopes still ride on:

• Matthew Stafford staying upright.

• Kyren Williams leading the run game.

• Aaron Donald (if healthy) anchoring the defense.

• Playmakers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua torching secondaries.

The preseason only highlighted what we already knew: the backups are serviceable, but it’s the stars who’ll dictate whether the Rams are in the playoff mix.

Looking Ahead: Week 1 vs. Houston Texans

Now comes the fun part — regular season football. The Rams open against the Houston Texans, a team that’s not to be taken lightly. Houston has been on the rise, and their young QB play has made them dangerous.

Key things to watch in Week 1:

• How sharp does Stafford look right out of the gate?

• Will Kyren Williams get the majority of backfield touches, or will Corum sneak in for a bigger role?

• Can the Rams’ defense hold strong against a Texans offense that’s been gaining confidence?

Final Thoughts: Calm Before the Storm

If preseason told us anything, it’s that the Rams are sticking to the script. The depth looks fine. The rookies flashed potential. Bennett gave fans something to talk about. But most importantly — the starters are healthy and ready for the grind ahead.

So, sure, call it a “C.” But the Rams aren’t graded on August performances. Their real test begins in September, and it starts against Houston.

In short:

• Bennett is steady insurance at QB.

• Corum could be a sneaky RB2.

• Ferguson might be a future TE to watch.

• Dolac is the undrafted dark horse.

• Stafford’s health is the headline.

The Rams are rolling into 2025 with their eyes on much bigger goals than preseason grades.