Good, Bad and Ugly: Ty Simpson, defense showed out in KC

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 15: Quarterback Ty Simpson #15 of the Los Angeles Rams hands the football to x27 during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams came away victorious in their preseason opener with a 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. LA put together a strong showing in Kansas City, as Ty Simpson and the defense showed out this weekend.

Here is the good, the bad and the ugly from the Rams' preseason matchup against the Chiefs.

The Good Ty Simpson shut up critics ... for a week

Thank goodness Simpson had a great game, or social media would've been insufferable postgame. Social media's already that way, but I digress.

In the first couple weeks of preseason, many high-profile rookie quarterbacks have stood out and posted quality, efficient outings, effectively putting pressure on Simpson's debut. Instead, Simpson might've had the best rookie QB showing so far in preseason.

#Rams QB Ty Simpson looked real smooth in his preseason debut - 21 of 25 for 190 yards and 2 TDs pic.twitter.com/dq5H8qE3FZ

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2026

The Rams' coaching staff and fanbase could not have asked for a better performance from the first-year signal caller. While most of Simpson's work came against third- and fourth-stringers, it really didn't seem to matter. He put together an efficient performance and looked quite poised in the process. Again, you truly couldn't have asked for a better debut.

Now, there's going to be a lot of ridiculous comparisons for the next week over who's better between Simpson and top overall pick Fernando Mendoza. We all knew this would happen too, as for whatever reason, people put far too much stock in preseason games. Praise the football gods the Rams were on the right side of it this time.

For at least a week, Simpson shut up critics of him and LA for making the pick.

Defense played lights out

It cannot be overstated enough that Saturday's game against the Chiefs was only preseason, and backups primarily played. That shouldn't take away from how good the defense played.

If Simpson was the hero of the game, the unit was a worthy sidekick.

While Kansas City converted nearly half of their third down opportunities, they were held to just 314 yards and 0-for-3 on red zone opportunities. Holding the Chiefs to only four field goals is a sign that the Rams have some quality depth, which will be much-needed if this year goes as long as they hope.

Additionally, KC's three quarterbacks: Justin Fields, rookie Garrett Nussmeier and fifth-year signal caller Chris Oladokun were held to 189 yards passing and 5.9 yards per attempt.

Not a bad day at the offense for Chris Shula's unit.

Young playmakers stood out

What a game for the young playmakers in this one, and I'm not just talking about Simpson!

Undrafted running back Dean Connors is making a name for himself after catching both of Simpson's touchdown passes. Connors added 22 rushing yards, proving that he can be a valuable all-around depth piece at the position. He'll be a hard one to keep off the 53-man roster, that's for sure.

Dean Connors gets the first touchdown of the game

@CBSLosAngeles | https://t.co/R5m5kJYp8Kpic.twitter.com/JMKl83IZfn

- Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 15, 2026

Fellow undrafted wide receiver - from the 2025 class - Brennan Presley led the team with 58 yards on four receptions, including a 23-yard dart early in the game. The Rams have a clear hole at the WR3 position behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, so if he continues showing out, he can easily step into that role during the season.

Presley led the team in receiving yards, while rookie tight end Max Klare led LA with seven receptions. The Ohio State product was a key target for Simpson, who went to him often. That will be a tandem to watch, not only this preseason, but in the post-Matthew Stafford era.

It was a blast watching those youngsters stand out and earn so much playing time. Les Snead sure knows how to pick them, doesn't he?

The BadStetson Bennett's future NFL chances

While all eyes were on Simpson's debut, Stetson Bennett did nothing to stand out. Isn't that the perfect way to describe his NFL career?

He didn't have a terrible showing, as he competed four of his six pass attempts for 38 yards. Bennett led a field goal drive following a punt on the game's opening possession, but that was it before Simpson took over for the remainder of the game. The punt came after he threw behind CJ Daniels on a third down slant.

There was nothing special about his outing whatsoever, and that's not a great thing.

It's fair to say that Bennett is playing for far more than being Stafford's backup. He's playing for his NFL future, and should he lose out to Simpson despite his years in the offense, it's doubtful that many teams will request his services, even if they're desperate.

Backup or not, Bennett should look much better than he has this many years into his NFL career. His best football days were likely in college.

The UglyRams lose backup option to injury early

Rams offensive tackle Keagen Trost was lost to injury early in the game, and that's not great for the team's depth.

Trost, the rookie out of Missouri, was ruled out with a hamstring injury early after leaving the game in the first quarter. He is currently projected as the backup to Warren McClendon Jr. ahead of the season, so leaving him is a big deal.

The severity of the injury is unknown. Anyone who's ever watched the NFL before, or has experienced it themselves, understands how nagging a hamstring injury can be. Hopefully, Trost can return reasonably soon, as he's likely set to be a key piece of the Rams' offensive depth in 2026.

Aaron Donald rumors

This isn't exactly connected to the preseason opener, yet it's taking away the glow from an otherwise promising Rams showing. Simply put, the constant Aaron Donald rumors are distracting and must end.

Sean McVay isn't putting a deadline on Donald's potential return, but maybe he should.

Rams HC Sean McVay says he won't put an invisible deadline" on Aaron Donald to come out of retirement but added that he hopes the former star defensive tackle makes a decision sooner than later."https://t.co/jD4uj4i9bR

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2026

Deciding whether to return to the NFL after years away is a big decision. It's understandable why it's taken so long. However, when will it end? These rumors are driving me crazy!

AD, love you buddy, but make a decision already or stay the hell home. The Rams have a season to prep for and cannot afford any distractions ahead of another potential championship run.