Everything is bigger for Rams’ Stetson Bennett for final start in Texas

Sean McVay’s review of Stetson Bennett is nearly complete.

McVay, who is preparing for his eighth season as coach of the Rams, has not yet confirmed Bennett will be the backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford for the Sept. 8 season opener in Detroit.

Saturday’s final preseason game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium offers Bennett one last chance to not only win another preseason game but, more importantly, earn McVay’s trust before Tuesday’s 1 p.m. PT deadline that will trim the roster to 53 players.

Bennett doesn’t change his approach.

“Just prepare like I always prepare,” Bennett said, “and go in and do your best to win a football game.”

Read more: Matthew Stafford back in practice, but Rams reserve him for season opener

Bennett led the Rams to victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Chargers. Against the Cowboys, he threw four interceptions and a game-tying touchdown with four seconds left. Against the Chargers, he had a pass intercepted and a fumble lost, but a 47-yard touchdown pass led the Rams to victory.

In both games, Bennett played every snap for the Rams.

Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games, so McVay must decide whether he can trust Bennett to run the offense without major mistakes if Stafford is injured before or during the first two games.

Against the Texans, Bennett can prove he’s worthy of that trust.

Other situations to investigate:

The 53-player roster will likely include receivers Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington.

Smith likely earned his spot because of his dual accomplishments as a receiver and kick returner.

Smith, who played at Florida A&M, signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent last season on the practice squad.

Against the Chargers, Smith caught five passes for 45 yards and returned two punts for 50 yards, including one of 34 yards.

He enjoys the different opportunities, not only during competitions but also during training.

“Anytime I can do reps for my teammates or just run a go route to give Coop a break, I’m fine with that,” Smith said after the preseason game against the Chargers. “Because that’s my role, and I play my role to the best of my ability, and do what I can to support my teammates.”

Trying to get a spot on the roster

Under McVay, the Rams typically don’t rely heavily on inside linebackers, but the new kickoff rules could create new options for the squad.

Linebacker Omar Speights made a big hit on the opening kickoff against the Chargers. It wasn’t the first impressive play from the undrafted rookie out of Louisiana State.

Speights had seven tackles, two for lost yardage, against the Chargers. He had four tackles, one for loss, against the Cowboys.

“You feel him on game day,” McVay said. “You can have conversations with him where he understands the big picture. … He’s a mature rookie.”

Becoming Defensive

Defender Jaylen McCollough is also competing for a spot in the selection.

The undrafted free agent defensive back intercepted a pass against the Chargers, the latest in a string of big plays dating back to training camp.

“I’m just not surprised anymore,” McVay said this week, adding: “He plays with physical toughness. He has mental toughness.”

Can Karty come back?

Joshua Karty is not perfect.

After making his first four field goals, the rookie missed an attempt from 52 yards against the Chargers.

So on Saturday, McVay will have the chance to judge how Karty reacts after his first miss.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.