Rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett shook off a costly interception and delivered a last-second touchdown pass as the Los Angeles Rams edged the Los Angeles Chargers 23-22 in a preseason matchup Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.
Bennett, the former Georgia standout and two-time national champion, completed 29 of 42 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was highlighted by an 8-yard scoring strike to Tru Edwards with five seconds remaining, capping a dramatic comeback for the Rams, who improved to 2-0 in the preseason.
The night nearly unraveled when Bennett was intercepted in the fourth quarter by Chargers rookie defensive tackle TeRah Edwards, who tipped the ball to himself and rumbled 29 yards downfield. Bennett attempted to slow him down but was bowled over during the return. Edwards’ play set up a Chargers possession with under seven minutes remaining, though the Rams’ defense held and gave Bennett another opportunity to respond.
On the final drive, Bennett connected on a crucial 40-yard completion to Brennan Presley, who made a leaping grab between defenders. That play positioned the Rams inside the red zone, setting up Edwards’ game-winning catch. Aubrey Pleasant, who acted as head coach with Sean McVay giving him the reins for the night, praised Bennett’s composure, noting his ability to recover from adversity.
The Chargers, who fell to 2-1 in the preseason, had taken the lead earlier in the fourth quarter on an electrifying 66-yard punt return touchdown from undrafted rookie Luke Grimm. Quarterback Trey Lance, competing for backup duties behind Justin Herbert, threw for 121 yards and set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Raheim Sanders in the third quarter. Rookie receiver Tre Harris impressed with six receptions for 85 yards.
In a preseason game for the first time in his career, Herbert went 2 of 5 for 46 yards in one series of work. The $262.5 million franchise quarterback requested limited playing time to acclimate to the Chargers’ new offensive scheme. His appearance was marred when receiver Quentin Johnston exited on a cart following a hard landing.
Bennett threw touchdown passes to Konata Mumpfield in the first half and Mario Williams late in the third quarter. Williams’ 38-yard score showcased Bennett’s ability to deliver a precise deep ball. The Rams’ defensive front limited Herbert’s only drive to a field goal, sacking him once.
Matthew Stafford did not play, though he reportedly underwent a pregame throwing session to recover from a back injury. McVay did not address reporters after the game.
The Chargers will close their preseason on August 23 against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, while the Rams will travel to Cleveland the same night to face the Browns.
Oddsmakers had installed the Chargers as 3-point favorites entering the game, with the over/under set at 38. The Rams’ comeback victory pushed the total just above the betting line, rewarding those who backed the over.