Simpson Efficient in Debut

Simpson Efficient in Debut as Rams Pull Away From Chiefs, 20-12

By Jason Burrell | South Bay Black Journal

Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns as the Los Angeles Rams scored twice in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 20-12 preseason victory Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Simpson, the Rams’ first-round pick, finished his first NFL preseason appearance with a 125.0 passer rating and no interceptions. He completed eight consecutive passes during his first quarter of action and helped Los Angeles turn a 6-6 halftime tie into a second-half victory.

Jordan Waters

The Rams trailed 9-6 after Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker connected on a 59-yard field goal early in the third quarter. Los Angeles responded before taking control in the fourth, scoring touchdowns on each of its first two possessions of the period.

Wide receiver Xavier Smith helped swing the game with a punt return that gave the Rams favorable field position. After reviewing the film, Rams coach Sean McVay identified Smith’s return as the game’s turning point.

“I thought he fielded it clean,” McVay said Monday. “I thought that was the turning point in the game where he ends up making a great return.”

Running back Dean Connors finished with four receptions for 29 yards and caught both of Simpson’s touchdown passes. Connors also rushed six times for 22 yards.

Simpson’s performance came with Los Angeles resting many of its established starters, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, running back Kyren Williams and several members of the starting offensive line.

The rookie operated primarily with a limited preseason offense, but McVay said Simpson showed the traits the Rams have been emphasizing at the position.

“He did a good job of exactly what Dave Ragone is coaching him with, decision, timing, accuracy, playing each play as its own separate entity,” McVay said.

Tight end Max Klare provided Simpson with another reliable target, catching seven passes for 37 yards. Wide receiver Brennan Presley had two receptions of at least 20 yards, while Smith caught four passes for 26 yards in addition to his work on special teams.

Los Angeles also received production from its defense. Safety Nick Andersen finished with a game-high eight tackles, including four solo stops and a tackle for loss. Defensive linemen Tim Keenan III and Desjuan Johnson each recorded third-quarter sacks.

Kansas City kept the game close despite playing without Patrick Mahomes. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson rushed for 59 yards on 12 carries, but a holding penalty erased his 4-yard touchdown run during the second quarter.

Ty Simpson

The Chiefs were held to field goals through much of the afternoon. Rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards and directed an 11-play, 51-yard drive that ended with Butker’s 59-yard field goal.

Kansas City cut the Rams’ advantage to eight points late in the fourth quarter after rookie running back Jaydn Ott’s 27-yard reception helped set up another Butker field goal. Los Angeles recovered the ensuing onside kick to preserve the victory.

Rams kicker Harrison Mevis converted both of his field-goal attempts and both extra points. Punter Ethan Evans averaged 60.8 yards on four punts, including a 65-yarder.

For McVay, the result was less important than what the preseason opener revealed about players competing for roles on the roster.

“I was more proud of the style of play,” McVay said Monday. “I thought the guys executed with a limited inventory, both defensively and offensively.”

The Rams continue their preseason Saturday against the New Orleans Saints.