Rookie QB Ty Simpson shines on day one of Rams training camp

It’s not as if the Rams eased from their early practice stretch straight into full 11-on-11 work on the opening day of training camp Sunday.That said, if you so much as blinked, you probably missed the individual period.It came and went in a flash before the horn sounded and the offense and defense immediately squared off.And that tone held for the rest of practice.

A full-throttle battle that tested everything from the Rams’ command of the playbook to their stamina and competitive edge.“You want to stress our guys, and we felt they were ready for that.To go out and compete.

And that’s what this is,” said Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.“We want our best versus their best, putting them in good situations and challenging both sides.”There was an added layer to it, too, and maybe even a little extra motivation.With starting quarterback Matthew Stafford on a managed workload, alternating days on and off in four-day increments, the reigning NFL MVP was working elsewhere behind the scenes.That left the offense in the hands of young quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson, who will spend the next month making their case to be trusted as Stafford’s primary backup.

On a roster with few starting or rotational roles truly up for grabs, the job behind Stafford quietly shapes up as the most consequential competition in camp.Suffice it to say, nearly every aspiration the Rams have hinges on Stafford’s health.When he’s on the field, they’re capable of beating anyone and the Super Bowl is a realistic goal.It’s a different equation if he goes down, whether briefly or for an extended stretch.

Not because Bennett or Simpson lack ability, but because neither has appeared in an NFL game, let alone attempted a pass.As unknown commodities go, they’re about as mysterious as Area 51.The Rams need to get a handle on that situation as soon as possible.

Whether that is Bennett or Simpson proving they can be trusted, or if they need to make a call on a...