The excitement for the 2025 NFL season officially kicked off with a thrilling preseason opener between two of the league’s most storied franchises: the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys. In Rams vs Cowboys game that saw promising performances from young players and a few early-season jitters, the Rams ultimately secured a 31-21 victory over the Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. This preseason matchup provided a crucial first look at how both teams are shaping up for the regular season, with a particular spotlight on the quarterback position and the development of key rookies.
For the Rams, the narrative of the game was undeniably centered on third-year quarterback Stetson Bennett IV. Stepping onto the field with a newfound sense of confidence, Bennett led the offense with poise and precision. He was a key factor in the Rams’ early success, orchestrating two touchdown-scoring drives in the first two possessions. His most impressive play came on a 39-yard completion to wide receiver Xavier Smith, a drive that was capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run from second-year running back Blake Corum. Bennett’s performance was a significant rebound from his previous preseason appearances, and he finished the night completing 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. While he did throw an interception on a deep pass, his overall display showed considerable growth and maturity. The performance has many in Los Angeles optimistic about his potential as a reliable backup and a long-term project.
On the ground, Blake Corum was a standout for the Rams. After a rookie season where he was used sparingly due to a season-ending forearm injury, Corum showed flashes of his college form, scoring both of his touchdowns in the first half. His elusiveness and speed were on full display, providing a promising glimpse into what the Rams’ backfield could look like with him as a featured player. The running back depth was also showcased by rookie Jarquez Hunter, who took over in the second half and demonstrated his own burst and contact balance.
The Rams defense, while giving up 21 points, had a strong first half, holding the Cowboys to just 97 total yards. Rookie inside linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. was a player to watch, taking on the responsibility of wearing the green dot, which speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s trust in his ability to command the defense. The defense also saw a key interception from cornerback Cam Lampkin, who picked off a deep pass from Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton in the end zone. The Rams’ defensive line, bolstered by the presence of rookie Josaiah Stewart, also managed to sack Milton, highlighting a concerted effort to improve their pass rush.
For the Dallas Cowboys, the game was a mixed bag. With quarterback Dak Prescott not playing, the spotlight was on the backups, with Joe Milton taking the snaps. While Milton showed some flashes of talent, he also threw a costly interception. The Cowboys will need to evaluate their quarterback depth as the preseason continues. The Dallas offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm, particularly in the first half. However, rookie Emeka Egbuka, who was mentioned in pre-game reports as a potential Week 1 starter, had an impressive showing in joint practices.
This initial Rams vs Cowboys matchup also brought some injury concerns. Rams running back Ronnie Rivers was ruled out with a rib injury, and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield was questionable to return with an ankle injury. The Rams’ coaching staff will be monitoring these situations closely as they prepare for the next preseason games.
Looking ahead, the Los Angeles Rams will continue their preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Dallas Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens. The final score of 31-21 in favor of the Rams sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2025 NFL season. The Rams vs Cowboys game gave both coaching staffs valuable tape to review and provided fans with a taste of the action to come, with many young players proving they are ready to contribute.
