Stetson Bennett played the entire first half on Saturday, Aug. 22, completing 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and rushing for two touchdowns as the Rams blanked the New Orleans Saints 34-0 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Bennett's performance flipped the script on the backup quarterback competition behind Matthew Stafford. On Aug. 15, rookie Ty Simpson stole the show against Kansas City with a 21-of-25, two-touchdown debut. This time, Bennett got extended run and delivered, leading four scoring drives and using his legs to punch in touchdowns from 1 and 8 yards out.

"Stetson's never played a live NFL game," coach Sean McVay said in a pre-game media session Saturday, per the New York Post. "I think you want to get a consistent body of work for him to be able to run our offense."

Bennett, 28, obliged.

His 1-yard pylon dive capped a 48-yard drive set up by cornerback Al'Zillion Hamilton's interception of Saints quarterback Zach Wilson. His 8-yard scramble pushed the lead to 17-0. On Aug. 21, McVay had previewed Bennett's mobility, saying his game "can really come to life" when he creates off-schedule with his legs.

Simpson, the No. 13 overall pick, got only three second-half series after New Orleans dominated third-quarter possession. He completed 8 of 12 passes for 73 yards and led one touchdown drive.

The defense pitched the shutout.

Safety Alex Cook intercepted Spencer Rattler at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Undrafted edge rusher Wesley Bailey, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound Louisville product fighting for a roster spot on a deep depth chart that includes Myles Garrett and Byron Young, recorded a sack, a forced fumble and four quarterback hits.

Sixth-round receiver CJ Daniels caught 8 passes for 68 yards on 12 targets after managing just 2 catches against the Chiefs. Running back Jarquez Hunter added 68 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.

The Rams (2-0) close the preseason Thursday, Aug. 27, against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The NFL roster cutdown deadline is Sunday, Aug. 30, and the regular-season opener is Thursday, Sept. 10, against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.