Ty Simpson stats, highlights today: How Rams rookie QB excelled in preseason debut vs. Chiefs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ty Simpson has been no stranger to some offseason criticism, some of which started the second he heard his name called in the upper half of the draft's opening round back in April. On Saturday afternoon, some of that backlash was quelled when he guided the Los Angeles Rams to a 20-12 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Simpson was an integral factor that kept Los Angeles ahead of Kansas City, responsible for 190 out of the Rams' 321 yards on the offensive side of the ball.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star also pitched in two touchdowns and looked incredibly comfortable in the pocket.
After an offseason filled with doubt from NFL fans, here's how the 2026 No. 13 overall pick did in LA's preseason opener.
MORE: Los Angeles Rams complete 2026 schedule
Ty Simpson stats vs. Chiefs
- Comp/Att: 21/25
- Yards: 190
- TD: 2
- INT: 0
- Rating: 125.0
- Rush attempts: 0
- Rush yards: 0
Simpson was remarkably efficient in his first NFL action, completing all but four of his 25 passes for 190 yards.
He also found the end zone twice, flashing some upside as the Rams' long-term quarterback option.
MORE: What does the Cleveland Browns' QB situation look like after preseason opener?
Ty Simpson highlights vs. Chiefs
Simpson began his preseason debut with a 23-yard dart slotted inside the right sideline to tight end Mark Redman. It was only up from here, and the Los Angeles rookie quickly settled into today's contest.
Ty Simpson completes the pass for 23 yards on his first snap of the Preseason.
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026
LARvsKC on @NFLnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/8dfxofswGF
In the fourth quarter, Simpson finally got his long-awaited first NFL touchdown as his pocket began to collapse. Thanks to undrafted free-agent running back Dean Connors, Simpson had his first touchdown pass during his first preseason game.
.@RamsNFL rookie RB Dean Connors sheds tackles to get six.
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026
LARvsKC on @NFLnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/9ComLfN8D2
On the ensuing possession after Simpson's first touchdown, the gunslinger slotted a bullet through the middle of the field that found the hands of running back Brennan Presley, who is also an undrafted free agent.
Ty Simpson zips it to Brennan Presley for a 23-yard pick up.
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026
LARvsKC on @NFLnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/NomnCI9rqT
Simpson capped off his day with a touchdown on his final pass. In similar fashion to his first of the preseason, it was to Connors again. This time, the duo connected from two yards out and put the game out of reach for Kansas City to mount a comeback.
Ty Simpson throws a dart to Dean Connors for the touchdown.
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026
LARvsKC on @NFLnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/8hOWM5GIRT
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Los Angeles Rams QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1. | Matthew Stafford |
| 2. | Stetson Bennett IV |
| 3. | Ty Simpson |
| 4. | Matthew Caldwell |
Prior to Saturday's game, the general consensus listed the former Alabama quarterback behind Stetson Bennett, a former Georgia Bulldog, in the Rams' pecking order. While Stafford is far and away ahead of every gunslinger in this QB room, the No. 2 could be bound for change after the team's latest showing.
Simpson was by far the best quarterback on the gridiron, perhaps across the entirety of Saturday's slate of matchups heading into Los Angeles' game. Bennett's performance of 4-of-6 for 38 yards was by no means bad; however, it doesn't come close to the outing that Simpson had.
In the coming days and preseason weeks, it remains to be seen how the duo's string of performances will shake up who will back Stafford up during the 2026 campaign.