The Los Angeles Rams took the team to Oxnard, CA, for the first of two joint practices this preseason. For the Rams, these sessions are vastly important, as they are the only time head coach Sean McVay releases the reins and allows his team to compete aggressively (although tackling is a slightly more aggressive version of the thud tackling done at training camp).
While the teams ran vanilla versions of their schemes, this offered the first glimpses into what the 2025 Rams will be.
Here are my takeaways from the Rams — Cowboys joint practice:
Rams — Cowboys Joint Practice Takeaways
Quarterbacks
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Jimmy Garoppolo put together his best performance of the offseason. He got the ball out on time, didn’t take unnecessary sacks, and most importantly, didn’t turn the ball over. In addition to avoiding the bad parts of his game, which have plagued him going back to New England, Garoppolo pushed the ball down the field.
The praise of Stetson Bennett’s progress has been effusive. But that should be taken with a grain of salt. Bennett’s accuracy and arm strength leave plenty to be desired. But his growth was evident. He seems more comfortable in the pocket and a commanding force in the huddle. It seems there has been a concerted effort to keep Bennett in the pocket and not scrambling. Although on a goal line play, he did attempt to run the ball into the end zone on a red zone drill. Had tackling been allowed, he would have been eviscerated by the defensive back at the 3-yard line.
Matthew Stafford didn’t participate in the practice as he continues to deal with a back injury. McVay said he continues to make good progress and said, “You guys will have more of an understanding of what’s going on as time goes. You’ll talk to him.”
Running Backs
If you needed any more evidence, Kyren Williams will be the top back, but hopefully, his supporting cast will allow him to decrease his workload. Blake Corum was given a healthy share of the first team reps and looked explosive, breaking a few big chunk runs. The big question remains: Can he get up to speed with pass protection?
Jarquez Hunter was impressive yet again, not only for his explosive running, but his physical style of play. He does not shy away from contact. It seems as though he relishes the opportunity to smack some Cowboys around
Tight Ends
The Rams seem to be rolling ahead with Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson with the top 2 spots. The team will be employing more two-tight end sets, and they have been the two they go with.
Terrance Ferguson has missed the last few practices due to injury, but had been repping with the Stetson Bennett line in training camp.
Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua is still good at football. Can he get better? He seems to have. Davante Adams is as advertised. He is already a favorite target of Garoppolo.
Tutu Atwell has been a mystery for much of camp. He is still considered among the Rams’ top 3 receivers, but Jordan Whittington is hot on his trail. Whittington looked like the best player on the field when competing with the second line.
Offensive Line
Alaric Jackson did not participate as he continues to deal with his blood-clotting issues. Warrren McClendon and DJ Humphries split time at left tackle. Coleman Shelton had a standout day, particularly showing off his athleticism in run blocking, rocking a defender to the ground to open up a giant hole for Williams
Something to monitor will be the health of Kevin Dotson. Dotson left practice early and was seen working with team doctor, Reggie Scott, on the side. 2nd-year former UDFA Justin Dedich filled in his stead.
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