Rams Shine in Preseason Opener

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

The Rams displayed a balanced and efficient performance. QB Stetson Bennett spearheaded the offense with a clean stat line: 188 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a calm presence on the fieldRB Blake Corum was a catalyst, scoring twice in quick succession with short plunges—a 2-yard run and a 4-yard dash—during the first half. Bennett and Corum set the tone early, and the Rams capitalized on five of eight possessions with points, including a field goal by kicker Josh Karty. Beyond the stars, several Rams emerged as depth players to watch. Names like Jarquez Hunter, Shaun Jolly, Cam Lampkin, Charles Woods, along with special teams standouts Josh Karty (kicking) and Ethan Evans (punting), delivered solid performances. For Dallas, this marked Brian Schottenheimer’s first game as head coach. It was a rocky start—especially defensively. The Cowboys surrendered back-to-back long scoring drives to open the game and ultimately allowed 181 rushing yards, with poor tackling and third-down defense costing them dearly. QB Joe Milton, in his debut, showed flashes of raw arm talent. He finished with 143 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, but accuracy remained a concern as he completed just under 59% of his passes.

On the bright side, the ground game offered some hope. Rookie RB Phil Mafah displayed grit, while veteran Malik Davis impressed with 63 yards on seven carries. Defensively, Marist Liufau stood out with physicality and presence, while cornerback Israel Mukuamu made a highlight one-handed interception. Additionally, rookie linebacker Shemar James energized the defense with five tackles and aggressive play Overall, the Rams’ opening exhibition pointed to strong quarterback play, physical running, and promising depth across positions. The Cowboys, though flawed, showcased competitive rookies and flashes that could translate to regular season contributions.