Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Game thread, Chargers game (NFL network, 7 pt, 10 et)
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Zooey.
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August 26, 2026 at 5:18 am #165588
znModeratorWatch on TV live
Nationally: NFL Network at 7 p.m. PST, 10 p.m. EST
Locally: CBS LA (along with its affiliates) at 7 p.m. PST
Local Play-By-Play: JB Long
Local Color Analysts: Rob Havenstein and Jourdan Rodrigue
August 27, 2026 at 9:12 pm #165622znModeratorOf course I’ll watch, even knowing they are not likely to improve over recent performances and suddenly become a competent football team.Oops, sorry!
That was an earlier me from the past, time jumping into the present.
Ignore him. He breathes hopeless despair like an exhausted runner doubled over panting at the finish line.
August 27, 2026 at 9:54 pm #165623
ZooeyModeratorI’ll be able to watch the game tonight, so I’ll be able to explain things to all of you later.
August 27, 2026 at 10:25 pm #165625
canadaramParticipantWho got burned on the 65 yard TD?
August 27, 2026 at 10:56 pm #165626ZooeyModeratorWho got burned on the 65 yard TD?
Lampkin was one of two guys trailing, but I don’t know who the other guy was, and I don’t know whose assignment it was.
August 27, 2026 at 11:35 pm #165627znModeratorTy Simpson are you kidding me man? pic.twitter.com/zBwgQeCg1O
— Rams Bros. (@RamsBrothers) August 28, 2026
August 28, 2026 at 1:23 am #165628znModeratorWell the 3rd and 4th quarters were just an orgy of Rams missed tackles.
Caldwell is fairly accurate on short passes but not on anything over 15. Though–he may be the fastest running quarterback I’ve ever seen in a Rams uniform.
They won though because even their 6th and 7th unit pass rushers can produce.
August 28, 2026 at 1:24 am #165629znModeratorUltra impressive by the rookie Simpson! Great finish by Presley who is a steady preseason contributor
Do you think this QB2 competition is over? Simpson has equally done just as impressive feats, but a rookie! This one the best of them all IMO pic.twitter.com/oWLQeYR2Dp
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) August 28, 2026
August 28, 2026 at 1:32 am #165630znModerator5 Takeaways from Rams’ 20-18 preseason Week 3 win over Chargers
Stu Jackson
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Rams finished up the 2026 preseason with a 20-18 win over the Chargers Thursday night at SoFi Stadium. That preseason finale saw rookie quarterback Ty Simpson start before fellow rookie Matthew Caldwell took over for him in the second half. Two days before kickoff, it remained to be seen whether Stetson Bennett IV would play, and Bennett ultimately did not.
On the flip side, the Chargers played their starters on offense and defense for each unit’s first two drives before a mix of second-, third- and fourth-string reserves checked in and played the rest of the game.
The Rams clinged to that 2-point lead until 49 seconds left, when outside linebacker Darryl Peterson III recorded the game-sealing strip sack. Peterson finished with two sacks overall on the night.
More on the Rams’ quarterback usage, plus four other takeaways, below.
1) Simpson starts, plays first half before Caldwell takes over in third quarter: The Chargers had their first-team defense on the field for the first two drives, which was a good test for Simpson. He showed off his mobility on the third series with a 9-yard scramble. That third drive was his best one of game to that point, but Rams were up-ended on 4th-and-goal from the Chargers 1 after safety Tony Jefferson stopped running back Jordan Waters for no gain. Compared to last week when he entered with a 27-point lead behind him and the Rams opting to run the ball more, Thursday night’s circumstances allowed them to ask Simpson to do more. On the Rams’ fourth drive, Simpson took advantage of short field position of shanked punt and led a scoring drive he ended with 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brennan Presley. Simpson finished 18 for 23 passing for 119 yards and one touchdown, leading the Rams on three of the five drives he was a part of in the first half.
Caldwell took over on the first drive of the second half, and had a memorable play on that first series where he scrambled for an 8-yard gain. On his second drive, he led the Rams to points via an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Dean Connors. Caldwell finished 5 for 10 passing for 31 yards and that touchdown.
2) Andersen pounces on early takeaway: The undrafted free agent safety out of Wake Forest jumped on a botched handoff between Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Omarion Hampton at the Chargers’ 14. However, the Rams had to settle for a 27-yard field goal gaining just five yards following the change-of-possesion. Peterson’s strip-sack added to the takeaway count.
3) Mevis finishes preseason perfect: Converting a pair of 27-yard attempts, Mevis concluded the preseason a perfect 6-for-6 on field goals this preseason.
4) Extended looks at Connors and Jordan Waters at running back: Connors and Waters both got more run after the Rams earlier Thursday agreed to trade Jarquez Hunter to the Dolphins for wide receiver Tutu Atwell. Waters finished with 15 carries for 53 yards – including a long of 25 – while Connors had 18 carries for 69 yards plus three receptions for 24 yards and one touchdown.
5) Mostly reserves playing for Rams offense, defense: The Rams approached the preseason finale they way you’d imagine, with the majority of the players who snaps Thursday night in the third- or fourth-strings of the unofficial depth chart.
August 28, 2026 at 1:44 am #165631znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Sean McVay didn’t commit to a No. 2 QB tonight between Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson. He said he likes what he’s seen out of both and will make the decision after giving it more thought.Rams24/7@Rams24_7
That play from Ty is one of the reasons you draft him. The ability to escape that flip his hips and throw it between the numbers 🤌Everyone was gushing over Stetson’s 4th down play. The play from Ty was infinitely more exciting
Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Ty Simpson in the first half:
• 18/23 for 119 yards
• 1 TD, 0 turnovers
• Rating of 102.7Don’t care that it’s the preseason. He’s in COMPLETE control of the offense and is plenty talented
Underdog NFL@UnderdogNFL
Ty Simpson’s preseason:47-of-60
382 passing yards
3 TDs, 0 INT…
CB Cam Lampkin
Lampkin was another player who needed a strong performance to bolster his chances of making the team and he stepped up. The slender cornerback made six tackles, one of them being a sack and another going for a loss on a run play. He was lightning quick blitzing off the edge, and he wasn’t afraid to come up and tackle.
August 28, 2026 at 2:18 am #165632znModeratorThe Chargers fumble and Darrly Peterson III secures the W for the @RamsNFL!
(Via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/FueC3ZgMKM
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 28, 2026
August 28, 2026 at 2:52 am #165633znModeratorMatthew Caldwell to Dean Connors TOUCHDOWN‼️ pic.twitter.com/S93nfCyjBW
— Ethan Shirazi (@Ethanshirazi24) August 28, 2026
August 28, 2026 at 7:08 am #165634
wvParticipantTy Simpson did some things I havent seen a Ram QB do since…oh, Tony Banks, maybe. The kid impressed me. He’s got some speed. Some poise. Some ability to throw on the run. Seems to have good command of the offense. No bonehead plays. Very green, but Definitely better than Stetson Bennett, or at least he will be soon.
Question for me is still can he do it from the Pocket. If he was two inches taller he’d have been a top ten pick.
Reminded me a bit of Purdy.
I did not like the uniform-color clash of the two teams. Rams and Chargers have two of the best uniforms in the NFL and for some reason both of them together on the field looked bad. Is their some scientific explanation for this?
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vAugust 28, 2026 at 7:26 am #165635wvParticipantLooks like the Rams have more depth this year than in the past. So, i assume their practice squad will be emptied out as other teams jump on the players.
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vAugust 28, 2026 at 7:39 am #165636znModeratorReminded me a bit of Purdy.
Yes they’re both of a type. Somewhat smaller frame, not a rocket arm (though not a bad arm), mobile and can run but not a Lamar Jackson, but what they do have above all is a combo of a quick release, good short and mid-range accuracy, and very rapid mental processing. The latter being the key to it all. They process things fast.
Who else fits that type? “Not very tall” accurate quick processors? Warner, Bulger, Montana, Brees….though Simpson’s more mobile than those guys.
First couple of drives, btw, Simpson was going against the Chargers first-string defense.
August 28, 2026 at 7:48 am #165637wvParticipant… quick release, good short and mid-range accuracy, and very rapid mental processing. The latter being the key to it all. They process things fast.
.Well thats what they say. The mental thing is sposed to be high level.
But until i see it against NFL defenses who have had time to study him, I will remain agnostic.
Definitely a promising prospect at QB. …He’s no Rueben Bain, though. He’s no Lemon.
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vAugust 28, 2026 at 7:54 am #165638znModeratorAugust 28, 2026 at 8:13 am #165639znModeratorBut until i see it against NFL defenses who have had time to study him, I will remain agnostic.
I am more optimistic than you because, along with everything else, he also has first-class escapability. He’s not just mobile, he’s twitchy quick mobile. That gives him a big margin of error. When he bails on a play, there’s yardage gained.
That kind of ability can negate the fact a defense has studied you (“meep, meep!”). And it’s not just the quick recognition and the quickness moving–he’s an improviser. I can’t think of the last Rams qb where a broken play can be less of a disaster and more of an opportunity.
Let’s send Simpson back in time to the 99 super bowl. When Warner gets it to Bruce on the game winning TD pass, he stands in there and takes a hit. Simpson on that play would have the ability to avoid the hit, move, and still make the throw.
August 28, 2026 at 10:34 am #165640ZooeyModeratorhe’s an improviser. I can’t think of the last Rams qb where a broken play can be less of a disaster and more of an opportunity.
I don’t think the Rams have ever had a QB like this. I’ve spent decades frustrated by opposing QBs escaping a collapsing pocket and turning it into a strong gain. Simpson is capable of turning a loss into a gain. He’s not, however, going to take off like the elite running QBs, but that’s probably good. Those guys – Cunningham, Murray, Vick – all got themselves in trouble by relying too much on their legs, and I don’t think Simpson is likely to fall into that trap.
His similarity to Purdy was mentioned by Rams insiders as a reason they drafted him. There was no Matthew Stafford available at 13, and Purdy is plenty good enough to keep the offense moving forward. Simpson looks more agile than Purdy, but it’s the decision-processing and accuracy that are crucial.
He looks more controlled and poised than any other Rams rookie QB I can remember, including Goff, Bradford, and Banks. I was out of the country Everett’s rookie year, so I dunno, but Simpson looks like he belongs out there. I’d like to see some deep throws from him, though. Can he thread a needle 30 yards downfield? And can he nail a sideline pass or a fade?
I’m leaning into buying Simpson stock. It’s a small sample against vanilla defenses and generally lesser talent, but that was a strong preseason. And, to be fair, he’s playing a vanilla offense with generally lesser talent. The complexity of the task ahead is a bigger challenge, but he aced all the tests in round one.
August 28, 2026 at 12:10 pm #165642znModeratorhe’s an improviser. I can’t think of the last Rams qb where a broken play can be less of a disaster and more of an opportunity.
I don’t think the Rams have ever had a QB like this. I’ve spent decades frustrated by opposing QBs escaping a collapsing pocket and turning it into a strong gain. Simpson is capable of turning a loss into a gain. He’s not, however, going to take off like the elite running QBs, but that’s probably good. Those guys – Cunningham, Murray, Vick – all got themselves in trouble by relying too much on their legs, and I don’t think Simpson is likely to fall into that trap.
His similarity to Purdy was mentioned by Rams insiders as a reason they drafted him. There was no Matthew Stafford available at 13, and Purdy is plenty good enough to keep the offense moving forward. Simpson looks more agile than Purdy, but it’s the decision-processing and accuracy that are crucial.
He looks more controlled and poised than any other Rams rookie QB I can remember, including Goff, Bradford, and Banks. I was out of the country Everett’s rookie year, so I dunno, but Simpson looks like he belongs out there. I’d like to see some deep throws from him, though. Can he thread a needle 30 yards downfield? And can he nail a sideline pass or a fade?
I’m leaning into buying Simpson stock. It’s a small sample against vanilla defenses and generally lesser talent, but that was a strong preseason. And, to be fair, he’s playing a vanilla offense with generally lesser talent. The complexity of the task ahead is a bigger challenge, but he aced all the tests in round one.
We is on the same page.
I agree, he’s a Purdy with twitchier leg muscles and more sudden, yet controlled, movement.
So we can honestly say he’s Purdy good.
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August 28, 2026 at 12:24 pm #165643znModerator’nother angle
A mf dot.
The walk at the end. 😮💨Oh yeah, we are in good hands. #Ramshouse pic.twitter.com/0519HTYCtN— Carlos B (@MrCarlosBurrell) August 28, 2026
August 28, 2026 at 2:14 pm #165647wvParticipantLet’s send Simpson back in time to the 99 super bowl. When Warner gets it to Bruce on the game winning TD pass, he stands in there and takes a hit. Simpson on that play would have the ability to avoid the hit, move, and still make the throw.
You’ve gone off the deep end.
Thats ok, though.
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vAugust 28, 2026 at 2:18 pm #165648znModeratorYou’ve gone off the deep end.
Thats ok, though.
w
vI was just comparing types by means of a hypothetical. I didn’t say Simpson was Warner. What are the upside skills? It really is part of Simpson to dart abruptly away from pressure but still make a throw.
We know that much already.
How well will all that translate into sustained veteran quarterbacking against real defenses?
I don’t know yet.
I just have a sense of what his raw skills are, and I enjoy the process of sorting them out and describing them.
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August 28, 2026 at 5:15 pm #165651ZooeyModeratorSimpson is capable of turning a loss into a gain. He’s not, however, going to take off like the elite running QBs, but that’s probably good. Those guys – Cunningham, Murray, Vick – all got themselves in trouble by relying too much on their legs, and I don’t think Simpson is likely to fall into that trap.
To expand on that – I don’t think my thinking behind this was clear – I think Simpson has a lower ceiling as a scrambler than those other guys. He isn’t gifted enough to turn a sack into a broken field, whirling dervish 48-yard run…so I don’t think he will do that. So far he has played “within himself.” Looks like he’s agile and quick enough to take a chunk of what the defense leaves in front of him, but I don’t expect him to get himself kilt trying to be a hero.
Also, I’m still pretty pissed off that the 9ers got Purdy with the last freaking pick in the draft. I wanted them to suffer for years for the Trey Lance disaster, but Shanahan just straight up went out and fixed that problem.
The Rams better win that first game. My preference is that they win it convincingly, like 27-9.
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