Quentin Lake: ‘it’s starting to click’ for Ty Simpson in OTAs

Quentin Lake was named a team captain for each of the last two seasons for the Los Angeles Rams. When he speaks from his position of authority, we should listen.

Lake joined Underdog Sports’ “The Arena: Gridiron” podcast this week and discussed the vibes around LA’s offseason organized team activities (OTA’s). He also shared his thoughts on what he’s seen from rookie quarterback Ty Simpson:

He can read the offense. Even coming in early, he’s been able to make all the throws that he needs to. Very calculated. I think one of the reasons why they liked him so much is he can anticipate things too, which I like.

I haven’t gone against him personally, but watching him from afar, he’s getting there. It’s starting to click, and I think it’s because of who he has around him. Like, you know, telling him what to do, who to look at. You know, you want… the quarterback nowadays is kind of a dead man’s art. You don’t have guys like Matthew Stafford or Aaron Rodgers. It’s just different nowadays.

Those guys can really pick up, read the defense. They always know what the defense is. It’s rare. But for Ty, having an MVP quarterback like I’ve been saying—it’s gonna help him add that ability.

Former Ram Aqib Talib and the other hosts asked Lake whether Simpson has enough arm talent and how the rookie compares to Stafford, of which Lake gave the obvious and correct answer:

“I mean, come on now. It’s Matthew Stafford… I’m not gonna say he has his arm talent. His arm talent is great.

Lake’s comments on Simpson seem like measured, context-aware, and constructive praise. We cannot put much weight behind OTA practices. The tempo will increase significantly when padded sessions begin. Lake—similar to his head coach—also walked the line of complimenting Simpson without losing sight of the fact Matthew Stafford is unquestionably the quarterback in 2026. There is no controversy.

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The team should also get used to seeing a lot of Simpson in practices. The Rams could look at Stafford’s success last season despite missing the entirety of the preseason with a back injury and look to replicate a similar workload this year. This would afford Simpson an unusual amount of reps for a backup and this can only aid in his development.

It’s not much to go off of; however, it’s positive that one of the Rams’ leaders is complimenting Ty Simpson’s performance in OTA’s so far.

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