Professional football is officially back in Los Angeles. After 21 years, the Rams will welcome the Dallas Cowboys to the Los Angeles Coliseum for their 2016 preseason debut.
Despite being just a preseason game, it represents a homecoming of epic proportions for the fans of Los Angeles. The Rams had to expand the stadium capacity at the Coliseum due to popular demand and what better way to to get it started than a matchup between Los Angeles’ team and “America’s team.”
Saturday’s showdown will feature a number of exciting matchups on the field including Dez Bryant vs. Trumaine Johnson and the Mob Squad vs. the undisputed best offensive line in the league. However, among the glitz and glamour surrounding these high-profile matchups, all eyes are sure to fall on the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jared Goff.
What To Watch For:
Jared Goff’s Debut: While it is likely that Goff will enter the first game of his football career as a backup, it goes without saying that the biggest storyline will be on his overall performance. Although the preseason is hardly a good indicator of overall success in the regular season, it can give fans an idea of their young quarterback’s progression so far. If the Rams run anything like they have in training camp, expect to see Goff throwing plenty of intermediate crossing routes to try and get himself in a rhythm.
Lamarcus Joyner Earns the Vacant Spot At Corner: With the departure Janoris Jenkins in free agency, that left the other starting corner spot up for grabs in free agency. However, that spot has been filled as the Rams have listed third-year man Lamarcus Joyner as the starter. Although he is known primarily as a slot defender, the former second-round pick out of Florida State has made a big impression in camp for his natural football instincts. While Dez vs. Tru is sure to go down on one side of the field, it will be interesting to see how Joyner fares playing on the outside.
Mob Squad Faces Their Offensive Counterparts: Aside from Goff, the Rams defensive line has become one of the biggest storylines in the offseason. Led by Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn, Los Angeles added more depth by bringing in former first-rounders Quinton Coples and Domonique Easley. However, they will be matched up against easily the best offensive line in the NFL in the Cowboys that will be looking to clear room for their highly-coveted first-round pick, Ezekiel Elliot.
When: Saturday, August 13th, 2016, 5:00 PM PST
Where: L.A. Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
TV: ESPN
Radio: ESPNLA 710, 1330 (Spanish)
