Simpson's Stellar Debut
Rams Edge Chiefs 20-12 in Preseason Opener as Rookie Ty Simpson Impresses
Key Points
Xavier Smith's 40-yard punt return set up a Rams scoring drive that swung the momentum and helped LA take a 13-9 lead, as Ty Simpson guided the offense on the ensuing four plays.
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who had publicly said he didn’t want to play in the preseason, was forced to take the field for a single snap by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Ty Simpson opened his NFL debut with a 23-yard completion on his first snap and later connected with Dean Connors for back-to-back fourth-quarter touchdown passes.
Garrett Nussmeier, the Chiefs’ seventh-round QB, played most of the game but saw a potential 94-yard TD connection to Jason Brownlee fall incomplete in the fourth quarter, illustrating the volatility of the backup group.
Chiefs backup Justin Fields entered for the backup role and completed all four of his first-quarter passes, signaling early positive notes for Kansas City’s veteran-laden depth at quarterback.
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Kansas City Chiefs 20-12 in their preseason opener, powered by a standout debut from rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson went 21-for-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns after coming off the bench, according to Myrtle Beach Online.
Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes did not play as he continues to rehab a knee injury. But he was on the sideline as a team captain, a sign that his camp feels confident he will be ready for Week 1 against Denver.
Ty Simpson's Debut Turns the Game Around
Stetson Bennett started for the Rams and went 4-for-6 for 38 yards before giving way to Simpson. The rookie, the 13th overall pick in the draft, opened his NFL career with a 23-yard completion on his very first snap, according to Fresno Bee.
Simpson then took over in the fourth quarter and connected with receiver Dean Connors on back-to-back touchdown passes. The two scoring strikes sealed the win and gave the Rams a 20-12 final. His efficiency — completing 84% of his passes — puts him in a serious fight with Bennett to back up Matthew Stafford, according to Sun Herald.
Xavier Smith Punt Return Swings Momentum for LA
The game's turning point came before Simpson's touchdowns. Xavier Smith ripped off a 40-yard punt return that put the Rams in great field position. Simpson then guided a four-play scoring drive. That sequence pushed Los Angeles ahead 13-9 and they never looked back, according to Mahoning Matters.
Chiefs Quarterback Depth Gets a Tough Test
With Mahomes out, Kansas City leaned on its backup group. Justin Fields started and completed all four of his first-quarter passes, flashing early promise. Taylorville Daily News noted that Fields looked solid in limited work, which was a positive sign for the Chiefs' depth chart.
Seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier played most of the game and went 13-for-19 for 98 yards. But a potential 94-yard touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee fell incomplete in the fourth quarter. The drop summed up a rough night for Kansas City's reserve offense.
Chris Jones Forced Onto the Field for One Snap
The game had one notable side story. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones had publicly said he did not want to play in the preseason. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had other ideas. Spagnuolo put Jones in for a single snap, according to Mahoning Matters. It was a small but pointed message that no player is fully exempt from preseason duties.
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