There are some compelling reasons to want to see Ty Simpson start for the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, but Sean McVay and Les Snead had a vision for this season, and that vision included Matthew Stafford at helm.
L.A. traded for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie to support Stafford after his MVP year. Garrett has been hurt since Week 1, but may finally make his return for the Rams in Week 7.
The Rams and their fans haven’t seen what they can do with Garrett, McDuffie and Aaron Donald all on the field together. It could make an already stellar defensive group even better. Pair an even better defense with how Stafford is playing in 2026 and it could translate into wins.
Stafford wasn’t the reason the Rams lost in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. McVay took the ball out of Stafford’s hands and put the game on the leg of Harrison Mevis. The Rams lost in spite Stafford’s effort.
In Week 6 against the Cardinals, Stafford wasn’t perfect, but he did enough to win. Tyler Higbee had a costly fumble late, and McVay took the ball out of Stafford’s hands on a pivotal fourth and one.
Though Stafford hasn’thasn’t been as sharp as his MVP year, he’s played better than L.A.‘s 2-4 record with over 600 passing yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Rams last two losses.
Before the Rams move on from Stafford in 2026 (or ever), they should see what their projected “super team” looks like with Garrett, McDuffie, Donald, Stafford and the rest.
The question becomes will this team get healthy enough to put their intended vision on the field?
Week 7 will either be a huge step in the right direction, or another step back. And if the Rams keep taking steps back, they might as well see if Ty Simpson can help move them forward.
For now, the franchise hopes they can field the best version of their roster. With Stafford leading the way.