Top 3 Matchups To Watch In Los Angeles Rams Preseason Week 1 Vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Los Angeles Rams will kick off their preseason against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. While the final score won’t matter and zero Rams starters or contributors will play, there will be plenty to watch as the game unfolds.

Key Matchups in Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys: Preseason Week 1

Rams Injured Offensive Line vs Mazi Smith

Injuries along the offensive line mean the Rams will dip deep into the offensive line depth to construct the front for this game.

Second-year former first-rounder Mazi Smith looks to make a mark after an underwhelming rookie effort. Smith played in just 28 percent of defensive snaps. In that time he managed just eight quarterback pressures and six run stops.

It is unclear who the Rams will trot out, but the hottest name to watch will be the former 3rd round pick, Logan Bruss. Since being the Rams first pick in 2022, Bruss has yet to sniff the starting lineup, spending much of last year on the practice squad.

This will also offer the first look at rookies, KT Leveston and Beaux Limmer

Stetson Bennett vs. Trey Lance

Stetson Bennett and Trey Lance could have been the future QB battle between the Rams and the 49ers, but so far the general public has yet to see much from either quarterback.

Bennett hasn’t played a down in a regular season game. Lance has played in eight games since being drafted 3rd overall in 2021.

Both players have high stakes in this game.

The Cowboys declined their 5th-year option on Lance, so he is auditioning for his next job. Bennett still has two years on his rookie contract, but the Rams have said they want to give him a heavy workload in this game to sus out if they have a viable backup behind Matthew Stafford .

In his last preseason start, Bennett threw two interceptions on just 10 dropbacks.

Cobie Durant vs Jalen Tolbert

The Rams are already a bit banged up in the secondary with Darious Williams out with a hamstring and Derion Kendrick out for the season with an ACL tear. Even in that light, the Rams need to figure out depth for this season and their long-term plan at cornerback.

The Dallas Cowboys will be a good test for this group of backups.

Jalen Tolbert aims to establish himself as a key contributor in his third NFL season. Other Cowboys receivers like Jalen Brooks , Ryan Flournoy, and Tyron Billy-Johnson have had impressive camps and are also looking to impress and earn roster spots in this crucial preseason matchup.

More must-reads:

• Los Angeles Rams Rookie WR Outperforms Fellow First-Year Receivers
• Stetson Bennett Impresses in Los Angeles Rams First Half, Falls Apart in 2nd… Then Totally Redeems Himself With Last Second TD