After months of offseason preparation and training camp, the Los Angeles Rams are finally ready to hit the field for preseason football.
The Rams will be taking on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. PT on ABC and NFL Network, a solid measuring stick game for the young players and roster hopefuls looking to make a name for themselves. Los Angeles has historically opted not to play their starters in preseason action under head coach Sean McVay, and this year will be no different.
Although preseason football is sloppy and coaches choose not to reveal much of their respective playbooks, it’s still an opportunity to evaluate players and figure out what sort of alignments work. Unlike last season when Los Angeles was onboarding a decent chunk of rookies, the team has more continuity which means they should be in store for a stronger start.
Rams Offense vs. Cowboys Defense
Matthew Stafford is fully healthy but won’t suit up to preserve him for the regular season. Jimmy Garoppolo is unlikely to suit up as well as McVay said he wants to get Stetson Bennett game reps, so the veteran will likely sit though could play at some point during preseason.
Bennett missed the entirety of his rookie season, but had a solid training camp and is in line to handle the bulk of the snaps. Dresser Winn should also see his fair share of work, though the split between the two quarterbacks remains to be seen. Like Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will also be held out but this does open up more snaps for someone like Jordan Whittington and potentially Blake Corum.
On the Dallas side, they’ll likely also be resting key starters though they’ve got some intriguing players like Damone Clark and Mazi Smith who will be vying for playing time in their front seven.
Rams Defense vs. Cowboys Offense
On the defensive side, the Rams will be eager to see what their new group of youngsters can do. Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kamren Kinchens and Brennan Jackson could all suit up for the first time and get a taste of professional football.
Verse and Fiske could also be on the sidelines with the veterans though as McVay was noncommittal on which of his rookies would see game action.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys will be looking to see what they have in backup quarterback Trey Lance and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert.
Rams Keys to Victory
1. Lean on the ground game
With Bennett just getting back into the swing of things, the Rams should lean on Corum and the rest of the running back room to keep the offense on schedule.
2. Limit explosive plays
Preseason football is typically rough around the edges, so limiting explosives would give Los Angeles a good shot to win the game.
