NFL preseason roundup: Bennett throws four picks for Rams; Nix solid for Broncos

Stetson Bennett recovered from four interceptions on the afternoon to throw a six-yard touchdown pass to Miller Forristall with four seconds left, bringing Los Angeles back to a 13-12 win over Dallas in the season opener for both teams.

Bennett led the Rams on a 13-play, 70-yard drive, including his sidearm throw to Forristall on fourth-and-goal from the Dallas six-yard line. Los Angeles’ day seemed over when it appeared Bennett threw his fifth pick on the final play before the two-minute warning, but it was negated when Dallas was penalized for holding.

Bennett went the distance at quarterback, completing 24 of 38 for 224 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions. Rookie Joshua Karty had a pair of field goals for the Rams.

Bennett, who led the University of Georgia to two national titles, was drafted in the fourth round by the Rams last year and was absent from the team during the regular season as he dealt with his mental health.

Trey Lance threw for 188 yards in his first game for Dallas and the Cowboys scored four field goals off Brandon Aubrey.

Lance was the third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 draft and has appeared in eight games, including four starts, over his first two seasons. He was traded to the Cowboys last August for a fourth-round pick but was inactive in every game. Lance came in for the second series and played the rest of the game, completing 25 of 41 passes and leading three scoring drives.

Denver Broncos 34-30 Indianapolis Colts

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw one touchdown pass and led Denver on long scoring drives to close the first half and open the second, as the Broncos claimed a 34-30 victory in Indianapolis.

Nix, the No. 12 overall draft pick in April, was 15 of 21 for 125 yards while rushing three times for 17 yards before leaving midway through the third quarter and being replaced by former New York Jets starter Zach Wilson. Veteran Jarrett Stidham started the game and finished 4 of 7 with 57 yards and an interception.

But in his first NFL game, Nix may have taken the lead in Denver’s starting job. He was certainly the most efficient of the three and proved the difference, playing mostly against Indy’s backup defense.

For the Colts, it was all about seeing sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson and 2021 NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor in the same backfield after injuries limited the duo to just two snaps last season. They went just two series and didn’t get much done. Richardson went 2 of 4 for 25 yards and ran once for one yard in his first action since suffering a season-ending injury to his throwing shoulder last October. Taylor had two carries for four yards.