OXNARD, Calif. – The Rams made their regular trip to Oxnard to practice against the Cowboys, just a few days before Saturday’s preseason opener for both teams at SoFi Stadium.
But the practice was probably an even better work for the entire team than Saturday’s game, especially with the first-teamers not expected to play much, if any, in the preseason game.
Here are some quick observations of Tuesday’s practice with the Rams.
Filling the Gaps: Run defense has been a big question mark for the Cowboys the last few years, and again coming into the 2025 season. In Tuesday’s joint practice with the Rams, the linebackers did their jobs as a whole, with Jack Sanborn and Marist Liufau flashing for the most part, constantly punching at the ball and trying to force fumbles. Against one of the better running backs in the league in Kyren Williams, the Cowboys held their own and had their fair share of wins defensively. (- Tommy Yarrish)
Not the Average Joe: Joe Milton is working to improve on some things in his first-ever Cowboys’ training camp, but his arm strength is not one of them. It was put on full display in the team’s scrimmage against the Rams, when he dropped back and hurled a 64-yard touchdown pass to a streaking Jalen Brooks, who pulled away from his defender with impressive speed. Milton would leave the scrimmage after hitting his thumb on a helmet, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the decision to not let him return was a precaution — considering he’s expected to play a lot in the preseason opener. (-Patrik Walker)
Another UFL Gem?: The Cowboys have found gems from the UFL ranks in KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey, could they have found another in defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey? Winfrey had a strong joint practice, highlighted by beating a double team to tackle Kyren Williams for loss in a red zone drill. The Cowboys could use another presence in the middle of the defensive line, could Winfrey be the guy? (- Tommy Yarrish)
Big day for all WRs: Just like the Rams wide receivers were having some success on one side of the field, the Cowboys receivers were doing the same against the Rams defensive backs, particularly CeeDee Lamb. Now that’s not surprising but Lamb was practically unguardable in a variety of routes – down the field, intermediate throws and the bubble screens, which were blocked well enough for him to have plenty of room to run. Yes, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua had their share of big plays, but CeeDee, and George Pickens for that matter, seemed to be just as successful. – (Nick Eatman)
Twin Turbo: Not once, but twice in a row. One thing Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense showed the Rams is an ability to threaten with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens only to do damage with a guy like KaVontae Turpin. The speedster and All-Pro returner flat-out owned one drive in particular, grabbing a rope of a throw from Prescott deep over the middle before then grabbing yet another middle-deep pass, this time down the right sideline, before embarrassing the lone defender that stood between him and pay dirt with a single move that left nothing but the end zone in front of Turpin. (-Patrik Walker)
Back in the middle: Defensive tackle Mazi Smith (knee) returned to practice Tuesday against the Rams, just a few days after leaving the field with an injury. Smith was working with the first-team defense, but rotated with others as the Cowboys clearly were easing him back into action. – (Nick Eatman)