Rams rookie leaves Sean McVay with something to think about after perfect preseason

The Los Angeles Rams secured a 20-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in their Week 3 preseason matchup on August 27, 2026. A central narrative emerging from the contest is the performance of rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, a former player at Alabama. According to reporting from the New York Post and Yahoo Sports, Simpson's play during the preseason has been described as perfect, leaving head coach Sean McVay with significant decisions to make regarding the team's composition. The game recap provided by ESPN and PFF confirms the final score of 20-18 in favor of the Rams, marking the conclusion of the preseason schedule for both Los Angeles franchises. Multiple sports outlets are emphasizing the impact of the rookie quarterback. Yahoo Sports highlights that Simpson is proving he was better than he received credit for during his time at Alabama, while Bleacher Report focused on his ability to impress during the preseason finale.

The official Rams communications and Rams Wire both identified five key takeaways from the win, specifically mentioning the usage of quarterbacks and the perfect preseason performance of Harrison Mevis. Furthermore, Yahoo Sports notes that both a former NFL head coach and a former executive have reacted to Simpson's contributions as the Rams make history. This development is critical as teams transition from exhibition play to the regular season. Sports Illustrated categorized the outcome of the game by identifying six winners and two losers, positioning the standout rookies among the winners. For the Los Angeles Chargers, coverage from their own official channels indicates that head coach Jim Harbaugh is now shifting his focus toward the 53-man roster deadline. The timing of Simpson's performance is pivotal because it occurs just as Sean McVay must finalize his active roster, weighing the potential of a rookie who has remained consistent throughout the preseason against established veterans.

Moving forward, the primary focus will be on the final roster cuts as the 53-man deadline approaches. Coverage from NFL.com and the Los Angeles Chargers indicates that the focus has now turned entirely to roster management. Observers will be watching to see if Ty Simpson's preseason success translates into a permanent spot on the active roster or a role as a developmental player. The team's final decision on quarterback usage, as mentioned in the Rams' official takeaways, will determine whether Simpson's performance against the Chargers earns him a regular-season opportunity under McVay.