Ty Simpson Rams vs Chiefs Preseason Performance Explained#
Los Angeles Rams fans have been waiting to see Ty Simpson under center in a real game. On Saturday, August 15, 2026, they got their first look. In a 20–12 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, the first-round rookie completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.
The night answered the loudest early question about Simpson: can he run Sean McVay’s offense with poise when the lights are on? One preseason game is not a career, but the tape and the numbers were clean enough to keep search interest high across the United States all weekend.
This recap covers the box score, how the snaps were split, what McVay said, why the Dean Connors connection mattered, and what to watch in the next two preseason games.
Who Is Ty Simpson?#
Simpson was the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the second quarterback selected. The Rams’ choice raised eyebrows because he started only 15 games at Alabama. Many draft boards had him later; Los Angeles bet on traits, processing, and fit in McVay’s system.
In training camp, Simpson mostly worked with the second unit while Matthew Stafford handled the starters. He did not get a heavy share of “live” reps on Stafford practice days. That made Saturday’s extended playing time especially useful for evaluation.
Preseason Week 1 was never going to be a full Stafford showcase. McVay typically sits starters and key backups in August. That left a long window for Simpson—and for backup candidate Stetson Bennett IV—to show command against Chiefs depth.
How the Snap Split Worked#
Stetson Bennett IV started and played the first two series. He finished 4 of 6 for 38 yards (some reports list 36) and led a field-goal drive on his second series, partly against Chiefs starters early.
Simpson entered with about 11 seconds left in the first quarter and played the rest of the night—effectively the final three quarters. That is a large sample for a preseason opener, especially for a rookie still learning protections and tempo.
The structure tells you how the Rams are thinking:
- Stafford remains the clear Week 1 starter when the regular season begins.
- Bennett is competing to stay the primary backup.
- Simpson is being developed with real game snaps, not just scout-team work.
Simpson himself downplayed the “backup battle” framing after the game. He said he focuses on being the best version of himself and stacking progress rather than comparing spots day to day.
The Stat Line That Drove the Trend#
Simpson’s efficiency jumped off the page:
| Stat | Mark |
|---|---|
| Completions / attempts | 21 / 25 |
| Passing yards | 190 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Result | Rams 20, Chiefs 12 |
According to ESPN Research, he was the first player with 190 passing yards and two touchdown passes in a preseason debut since Baker Mayfield with the Browns in 2018. He completed passes to seven different teammates. Both scores went to running back Dean Connors.
Those numbers came mostly against third- and fourth-string defenders. That caveat matters. Still, rookies can look lost even against backups. Simpson kept the ball in play, which is exactly what McVay praised afterward.
Two Touchdowns, One Clear Connection#
First score: screen to Connors#
After a 40-yard punt return by Xavier Smith, Simpson hit Connors on a 9-yard screen in the fourth quarter. Simpson credited the offensive line and the block that sprung the play—he described it as a team throw more than a hero throw.
Screens test a quarterback’s timing and trust. Too early and the back is tackled for a loss. Too late and the window closes. The throw was on schedule.
Second score: short middle to Connors#
Simpson then led an 87-yard drive. Highlights included a 22-yard strike to tight end Mark Redman and a 16-yard crosser to wide receiver CJ Daniels. He finished it with a 2-yard touchdown to Connors over the middle.
Two red-zone scores to the same back show chemistry and a willingness to use the running back as a receiver—common in McVay’s offense when the pocket is clean.
What Sean McVay Liked#
McVay’s postgame comments focused on process, not hype:
- Simpson took what the defense gave him.
- He read with his feet as well as his eyes.
- Most important: he kept the ball in play.
For a first-round quarterback on a Super Bowl–contending roster, “no catastrophic plays” is the bar in August. Deep bombs can wait. Decision-making under a live rush cannot.
Simpson said he felt more comfortable than he ever had coming into a game, while also admitting he did not know exactly what to expect. That mix—confidence without recklessness—is what coaches want on a debut night.
Why U.S. Fans Are Searching “Ty Simpson” Now#
Three storylines stacked at once:
- Draft surprise — first-round QB with a short college starting résumé.
- Opponent brand — even a preseason game at Arrowhead against the Chiefs draws national eyes.
- Clean box score — 21-of-25, two TDs, zero picks travels well on social clips and search.
Fantasy and dynasty players also dig for “is Simpson the future?” takes. The honest answer after one game: he looked ready for more preseason work, not ready to replace Stafford. The Rams drafted him for the long term while Stafford still runs the show.
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What to Watch Next#
Simpson has two more preseason games to build on this debut. Look for:
- Protection calls against blitz looks, not only soft coverage
- Deep-ball accuracy when the Rams open the playbook
- Two-minute operation if he gets a late-game drive
- Ball security when the pocket collapses
Also watch how Bennett’s snaps compare. McVay will keep evaluating both, but Saturday’s extended run was a clear vote of curiosity in Simpson’s development path.
Parents and his brother were in attendance—another human detail that made the debut feel bigger than a typical August tune-up.
Practical Takeaways for Fans#
- Treat the game as a process win, not a coronation.
- Separate preseason opponent quality from the film of clean decisions.
- Track completion percentage under pressure in the next two weeks more than raw yards.
- Expect Stafford to own September; expect Simpson headlines whenever he plays in August.
FAQ#
Did Ty Simpson start against the Chiefs?#
No. Stetson Bennett IV started. Simpson entered late in the first quarter and played most of the remaining snaps.
What were Ty Simpson’s final stats?#
He completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions, in a 20–12 Rams win.
Who caught Simpson’s touchdowns?#
Running back Dean Connors caught both—a 9-yard screen and a 2-yard throw over the middle.
Is Ty Simpson the Rams’ backup quarterback?#
Not officially after one game. Bennett remains in the backup conversation. Simpson is a first-round developmental piece getting real preseason reps.
Why was Ty Simpson trending in the United States?#
A high draft pick, a national opponent, and an efficient debut line combined into a major Google Trends spike around “ty simpson,” “rams vs chiefs,” and related queries.
Conclusion#
Ty Simpson’s Rams vs Chiefs preseason debut was efficient, calm, and productive. 21-of-25, 190 yards, two scores to Dean Connors, and a coach praising ball security is about as clean as an August introduction gets. The next two preseason games will show whether he can stack that same command against tougher looks—and whether U.S. search interest stays glued to his name into September.