Things are starting to get real for the Los Angeles Rams as they transition from practice sessions to facing real opponents in the preseason. The Rams, who exceeded expectations by making the playoffs last season, are entering the 2024 season with heightened ambitions. Head coach Sean McVay and his squad are not just aiming for a playoff berth but have their sights set on a deep postseason run, potentially culminating in a Super Bowl appearance.
According to Round the Clock Bet, the Rams’ Super Bowl odds currently stand at +4700, placing them ninth-best in the league. This reflects a significant improvement from their preseason odds of +6500, indicating growing confidence in their upside. Last season, the Rams finished with a 10-7 record, securing second place in the NFC West and the sixth seed in the NFC.
Joint Practice Takeaways
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Rams made the short trip to Oxnard, California, to engage in a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, a precursor to their preseason showdown on Sunday. This practice session was a significant moment for the Rams, providing both a test and an opportunity for growth as they continue to build their team dynamics ahead of the new season.
The Rams’ offensive line faced a challenging day against the Cowboys’ formidable pass rush. Missing three starting linemen, the Rams struggled to contain Dallas’ defensive stars, Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. Despite these challenges, Rams head coach Sean McVay noted improvements from their previous outing against the Chargers. He praised the efforts of Kevin Dotson, Steve Avila, and Joe Noteboom, who stepped up without key starters. McVay emphasized the importance of maintaining energy and urgency, acknowledging that there is still room for improvement.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Tyler Johnson capitalized on his increased role due to Puka Nacua’s knee injury. Johnson’s performance drew commendation from McVay, who highlighted his ability to create separation and make impactful plays. Johnson’s contributions were particularly notable in play-action scenarios, where he demonstrated skill and physicality.
Defensively, the Rams showcased promising talent at the outside linebacker position. Byron Young and Jared Verse were standout performers, consistently applying pressure and winning their matchups. Young’s dominance in one-on-one drills and Verse’s power moves were highlights of the practice, offering encouragement for the Rams’ defense, which is adapting to life without Aaron Donald.
Rookie defensive back Kam Kitchens continued to impress, further solidifying his case for increased playing time. His physicality and ball skills were on full display, including a significant hit on a Cowboys receiver and a deflected pass that resulted in an interception by linebacker Troy Reeder. Kinchens’ development is a positive sign for the Rams as they seek to bolster their secondary.
The Rams’ defense, however, did show some vulnerability against the run, with the Cowboys finding success on the ground. While tackling was limited in practice, the Rams must address these gaps to ensure a more robust run defense.
Opening Preseason Game
As the Rams prepare to host the Cowboys at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, fans can anticipate a competitive preseason opener. The game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time will be broadcast locally on KABC and nationally on the NFL Network. For those outside the Los Angeles area, the game will be available to stream on platforms such as the NFL Mobile App and FuboTV.
This preseason matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams since their 2019 exhibition game in Honolulu, where the Cowboys emerged victorious. As both teams look to evaluate their rosters and make adjustments, Sunday’s game will provide valuable insights into player performances and team strategies.
The preseason is an opportunity for Rams fans to witness new talent’s emergence and team dynamics’ evolution. With key players stepping up and young prospects making their mark, the Rams are poised to make significant strides as they gear up for the regular season.
