The Rams’ secondary looks a lot different this year, and one of the clearest signs of that reset is showing up across the field in Dallas.
Cobie Durant, who used to line up in Los Angeles, is now with the Cowboys, and the Rams will see him up close today during a joint practice scheduled from 10:30 AM to 12 PM PT. The move comes after a major offseason turnover in the Rams defensive backfield, one that also saw Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon depart. Williams and Witherspoon retired.
General manager Les Snead didn’t hesitate when it came to the cornerback room. He chose not to bring back any Rams cornerback whose contract had expired, and he did it with Sean McVay’s approval. That decision pushed Durant to find a new home, and Dallas was quick to benefit.
Durant has already made an impression with the Cowboys. His direct, no-frills style has stood out to coaches and fans, especially on a roster described as having white-collar players.
His arrival also helped take some of the sting out of Dallas adding another former Rams corner, Derion Kendrick. You can't say we didn't warn them.
For the Rams, the value of a joint practice goes well beyond simply getting work in. These sessions force players into uncomfortable situations, test them against unfamiliar looks, and often give them more useful reps than a full week against the same familiar opponent. For starters and rotational players who are not expected to see preseason action, this is the real dress rehearsal.
It’s also a key proving ground for backups trying to climb the depth chart. The offensive line, the secondary, and even the pass rush are still being sharpened, and these kinds of practices can matter as much as game snaps.
Today’s session will also put familiar faces in some interesting matchups. Durant will help anchor the Dallas secondary against Rams receivers, while Rams cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are set to deal with Cowboys stars George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.
Both teams enter the season with reasons to feel good about where they are. For now, this is just the opening act before Rams-Cowboys lands at SoFi Stadium in Week 15.
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