Stetson Bennett Redeems Himself with Last-Second TD to Lift Rams Over Cowboys 13-12

Inglewood, Calif. – For 57 minutes on Sunday afternoon, Stetson Bennett looked very much like a quarterback who had not seen the field in nearly a year. Yet, in the final three minutes, Bennett transformed into a familiar hero, driving the Los Angeles Rams to a game-winning touchdown that conjured memories of his triumphant days at the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to two consecutive national championships.

Bennett’s day had been a rollercoaster of interceptions and setbacks. He threw four interceptions, each one more gut-wrenching than the last. But in a dramatic twist, Bennett put his past mistakes behind him and orchestrated a clinical drive in the last moments of the game, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Miller Forristall with just four seconds left on the clock. The Rams clinched a 13-12 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the preseason opener for both teams, a game that showcased the highs and lows typical of preseason football.

Drafted by the Rams in the fourth round last year, Bennett’s performance was a mixed bag. Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged the painful turnovers but wasn’t entirely surprised by Bennett’s resilience. McVay also took time to praise wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who caught six passes for 74 yards, and rookie kicker Joshua Karty, who contributed two crucial field goals to the Rams’ winning effort.

The game wasn’t short on drama. After Bennett threw an interception that was picked off by Brock Mogensen and returned to the Rams’ 23-yard line, the Cowboys’ kicker Aubrey nailed a 52-yard field goal to extend their lead to 12-6 with just under three minutes to play. But the Rams weren’t done yet. From the opening kickoff, they displayed flashes of brilliance, including a 61-yard drive in 12 plays that ended with Karty splitting the uprights from 28 yards.

Jordan Whittington was a standout performer, showcasing his agility and tenacity. On a second-and-11 play from the Rams’ 41-yard line, Whittington caught the ball at the 35, eluded an attempted tackle by Cowboys cornerback Eric Scott, and advanced to the 11-yard line before being tackled by Damone Clark. This critical play set the stage for Karty’s second field goal, a 39-yarder that capped off a 14-play, 76-yard possession, bringing the Rams back into contention.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy had a balanced perspective on his team’s performance. He acknowledged that in some respects, the team showed signs of playing their first game of the season, but he was pleased with the takeaways and the generally solid handling of the football. McCarthy noted that there was plenty of material to build upon as the preseason continued.

As the dust settled, the Rams emerged victorious, not just in score, but in the development of young talent and the resilience shown by their quarterback. For Stetson Bennett, it was a day of redemption and a reminder that the resolve of a champion never fades.