STETSON BENNETT (13) did well vs. Cowboys (Rams photo).

By Greg Beacham
Associated Press

INGLEWOOD (AP) — Stetson Bennett is viewing this NFL season as a new beginning in a winding football career, and the Los Angeles Rams quarterback got off to a strong fresh start.

Bennett passed for 188 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Rams to a 31-21 preseason victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night.

Blake Corum rushed for short TDs to cap the Rams’ first two offensive drives led by Bennett. The two-time national champion at the University of Georgia is attempting to secure his job as the Rams’ third-string quarterback for another season.

Looking much sharper than he did a year ago against the Cowboys, Bennett went 16 for 24 and hit Cody Schrader and Brennan Presley for touchdowns in the second half.

“I thought I played pretty well,” Bennett said. “I was just glad I didn’t try to force anything. (It went) pretty well, but there’s things I’m going to clean up.”

Bennett’s only interception resulted from an exceptional play made by Dallas’ Israel Mukuamu on a long pass.
The Rams didn’t even play second-string quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Schrader rushed for 59 yards for Los Angeles, while rookie Jarquez Hunter had 41 yards and Blake Corum added 32.

Stafford’s Progress

The Rams got good news even before the game when Matthew Stafford went through a lengthy workout featuring roughly 70 throws. The 37-year-old quarterback didn’t participate in training camp due to a back injury.

“It was awesome,” Sean McVay said. “It looked good. He threw the ball really well. No limitation on any types of throws.”

Stafford joined practice Monday at the Rams’ training complex, at first participating only in individual drills.

Up Next

Rams: McVay said after the game that their scheduled joint practice with the Chargers on Wednesday was canceled because the Bolts are too injured.

The crosstown rivals will still meet next Saturday for their preseason game.