The Rams got a useful reality check on Tuesday, and it came against a Cowboys team that made them work for everything.
In the first of two joint practices this summer, Los Angeles went up against Dallas and came away with a mixed-looking day. The offense did not look as crisp as it did in some other camp settings, and the Cowboys’ defense answered back after being picked apart by the Rams a year ago when the teams worked against each other.
“Christian Parker and the Cowboys’ defense passed their first test against an opposing team at the Rams’ practice facility on Tuesday,” wrote Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News. “The starting defense limited the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford to a few big plays.”
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star Telegram reported that Stafford finished 22-for-33 with an interception, and that most of the passing game stayed underneath. Only 10 of the Rams’ throws reportedly traveled more than 10 yards downfield.
Still, this was not the kind of practice that had Sean McVay sounding alarm bells. The Rams did not install anything tailored to Dallas, and that was the point. It was about seeing how their rules, technique and discipline held up against another team.
“We exchange personnel groupings and predetermine the down and distances with the exception of the two-minute situation, but I'm looking for the fundamentals,” said McVay. “I'm looking for some of the style of play within the framework of the rules of engagement that we established. I felt like a lot of that stuff seemed like it was there and that was a positive for us.”
Stafford echoed that same idea. The goal was competition, not a chess match.
“We don't game plan for any of this. We just go out there and play our rules, see how they hold up,” echoed Stafford. “There are going to be things to learn, things to correct but it's a good chance to go compete to see what else is out there.”
There were some clear bright spots for Los Angeles. Terrance Ferguson got involved in the passing game and created two big plays, while Davante Adams also made his presence felt. Even in a practice that leaned heavily on short throws and execution, those moments stood out.
On the other side of the ball, the Rams’ defense continued to flash. Quentin Lake picked off a pass, the pass rush got after Dak Prescott, and George Pickens had a strong day for Dallas. With Myles Garrett not in the lineup, the Rams’ defensive performance suggested that unit may be further along than some expected.
The larger takeaway from Tuesday may have been about health as much as anything else. The Rams were clearly careful with personnel, but being without Nacua for the final 45 minutes of practice and without Garrett completely would have mattered in a real game.
For a team still more than a month away from Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys offered a solid measuring stick. The Rams now get another one on August 20, when they hold their second joint practice of the summer against the New Orleans Saints. After that, the countdown to Week 1 gets even louder.
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