In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Stetson Bennett with the 128th overall choice in the hopes that he would quickly establish himself as Matthew Stafford’s reliable backup. Rather than continuing with football, the two-time national champion is now returning in 2024.
In his last season as a Georgia Bulldog, 26-year-old Bennett earned a second-team All-SEC quarterback. During the pre-draft process, the Rams developed a strong affection for him, seeing him as a quarterback with starting potential who would mesh well in Sean McVay’s offense in the event that Matthew Stafford was injured.
Bennett, Stetson NFL preseason stats: 347 throwing yards, 5.6 yards per attempt, 1 passing touchdown, 3 interceptions, and 4 sacks; 36 of 62 (58.1 percent completion rate).
The rookie quarterback had a difficult first preseason game, recording a combined 7 sacks and interceptions after an inconsistent summer. Subsequently, Bennett abruptly quit the team and was added to the reserve/non-football injury list.
The Rams never provided specifics on Bennett’s absence, even when questioned after the season about the former star quarterback’s future. Unexpectedly, Georgia coach Kirby Smart announced in March that Bennett was preparing for an NFL comeback, with Snead confirming that the former fourth-round pick would participate in practices during the spring and summer. Now that Bennett is at Rams OTAs, more details are emerging about his 2023 absence.
In an appearance on News 19 in Alabama, Snead shared that Bennett took a break from football last season to focus on his mental health.
I am aware of the fact that he benefited greatly from last year. I believe he made the most of his year off from the game. Based on everything he had to go through to get on the field, to JUCO, return, turn down little schools, and declare that he was going to try to accomplish this Georgia thing, you know what? He is a tired human being. to be hired, to win the event, and then to decide that you’re going to return. When you return, the outcome is either you succeeded or you failed. I was thrilled that Stetson was able to take a moment to relax because that can have a negative impact on a person.
The college statistics for Stetson Bennett are as follows: 66 passing touchdowns, 21 interceptions, 8,429 passing yards, 9.1 yards per attempt, and a completion percentage of 65.1%.
Snead is well aware of the negative effects that winning a championship can have on a team. He told News 19 that during the Rams’ Super Bowl run, players, coaches, and other staff members saw how exhausting it can be to chase a championship.
Stetson Bennett’s college stats include a 65.1% completion rate, a 160.9 QB rating, 8,429 passing yards, 9.1 yards per attempt, 66 passing touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Snead is well aware of the toll that chasing a championship can take on an organization. As he mentioned to News 19, Rams’ players, coaches, and other staff felt the exhausting effects of their pursuit during their Super Bowl run.
When it comes to his comeback to football, Bennet does have some work ahead of him. He is already 26 years old, has not played a single regular-season snap, and lost out on learning from the Rams coaching staff last season. He will be too old to play in the NFL in 2024. Bennett is guaranteed to start behind Jimmy Garoppolo and Stafford in the Rams’ depth chart, so having more mental clarity should help him concentrate on the game this season.
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