Game Recap: Cowboys fall to Rams, 31-21

Kurt Daniels
Editor of Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine / Dallas Cowboys Game Program

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/game-recap-cowboys-fall-to-rams-31-21

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Brian Schottenheimer era is here as the new head coach guided the Dallas Cowboys in live game action for the first time. But with the team’s starters largely resting comfortably alongside him, his debut didn’t have the preferred outcome, Dallas falling to the Los Angeles Rams, 31-21.

Also making a debut in this one was Joe Milton, who was a bit hit-and-miss in his effort. The quarterback showed flashes of his immense talent, particularly his big arm, but there were just as many misfires as his accuracy proved to be an issue at times. Playing nearly the whole game, he completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 143 yards with a touchdown and an interception to finish with a 68.6 passer rating.

The ground game had better success, though, as the team averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Newly signed Malik Davis racked up 63 yards on seven attempts late in the game while rookie Phil Mafah totaled 36 yards on 10 tries. Mafah would have actually had more if not for some inopportune penalties negating his gains.

Defensively, the Cowboys got off to a shaky start but managed to settle down in the second and third frames, allowing only three points over those 30 minutes of game play. Of course, the unit gave up 28 points combined in the first and fourth quarters as Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett threw for 188 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception for a 100.7 rating.

Stopping the run, a problem for Dallas for the last couple seasons, didn’t exactly look any better in this exhibition tilt. Los Angeles stormed for 181 rushing yards on 38 carries, an average of 4.8 yards per carry.

First Quarter

There wasn’t much for Cowboys fans to cheer about in the opening frame as the Rams dominated both the time of possession, 13:26 to 1:34, and total yards, 160 to 1. Those lopsided numbers came thanks to LA drives of 11 plays and then 13, which both resulted in Blake Corum touchdown runs up the middle to give the home side an early 14-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Dallas struggled, going three-and-out on their two series in the quarter.

Second Quarter

The Cowboys’ time of possession and total yards flipped in the second quarter with the team working the clock, 12:06 to 2:54, and outgaining LA, 96 to minus-4. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to get into the end zone. Brandon Aubrey provided the team’s first points with a 35-yard field goal that wrapped up an 11-play 55-yard drive. This came despite Dallas committing five penalties during the drive, including illegal formation flags on right tackle Asim Richards on back-to-back plays.

And after the Dallas defense forced the Rams’ first three-and-out, Milton and company then came right back and began another trek deep into enemy territory, burning off the final 5:52 of the half. The quarterback had completions of 10, 16 and 20 yards and picked up the first down on a fourth-and-1 at LA’s 16.

But the offense could get no closer than the 7-yard line, again turning to Aubrey, whose 25-yarder as the clock hit zeroes narrowed the gap to 14-6 going into the break.

Third Quarter

The second half got underway with a trading of interceptions between the two teams. Milton threw deep into double-coverage, hoping to connect with wideout Ryan Flournoy. Instead, Rams cornerback Cam Lampkin came down with the ball in the end zone.

Not to worry, four plays into LA’s ensuing series, Cowboys cornerback Israel Mukuamu returned the favor, pulling down his own pick.

However, that early excitement didn’t last long as the only points in the quarter came via a Rams’ 37-yard field goal, which upped their advantage to 17-6 heading into the final 15 minutes.

Fourth Quarter

Los Angeles was on the move when the clocked ticked over into the fourth quarter and soon enough the Rams found themselves back in the end zone. Bennett dumped a pass off to running back Cody Shrader, who scampered across the goal line for the 9-yard completion and score.

While the outcome was basically decided, there were still valuable minutes to be played for those fighting for a spot on the Dallas roster. Most notably undrafted rookie free agents Traeshon Holden, a wide receiver out of Oregon, and former Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather.

Seeing his first action of the game, Holden hauled in a 35-yard pass down the right sideline, Milton’s longest throw of the night, before Fairweather capped off the nine-play, 73-yard drive with a touchdown catch in the back-right corner of the end zone. Milton then found another undrafted rookie, Texas Tech wideout Josh Kelly, for the two-point conversion, the score now 24-14.

But the defensive players now in the game for the Cowboys didn’t have quite the same success. After LA returned the kickoff 38 yards to its own 41-yard line, Bennett needed only five plays to find Brennan Presley in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown.

Third-string quarterback Will Grier wound up seeing some action in the fourth quarter when Milton left the game after being sandwiched by a pair of Rams defenders. He appeared ready to rejoin the action, but with a little more than three minutes remaining, his night was done.

Grier managed to not only keep the offense moving, he took care of the scoring himself. On third-and-7 at the Rams’ 8, the quarterback rolled to his right, but unable to find an open target, he then sprinted across the goal line to wrap up the game’s scoring, 31-21.

***

Saturday served as an emotional day for Brian Schottenheimer as he lived out his life long dream of being an NFL head coach. A 31-21 loss to the Rams in the Cowboys’ preseason opener will serve as motivation for he and his team to be better moving forward.

It was an up and down day for second-year quarterback Joe Milton in his Cowboys debut. Details on Milton’s elbow injury, Brian Schottenheimer’s head coaching debut and more following a 31-21 loss to the Rams in the preseason opener.

When the Dallas Cowboys found themselves in trouble at RB due to injuries, they gave Malik Davis a call, and he showed vs. the Rams why that was smart.

Stetson Bennett and the Rams Delivered Victory Against the Cowboys
The Los Angeles Rams opened up their 2025 preseason with a dominant win

Brock Vierra

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/los-angeles-stetson-bennett-blake-corum-dallas-cowboys

It was an interesting look for the Rams on offense. Mike LaFleur was named playcaller for the contest as AJ Acuri and David Quessenberry got the starts at the tackle position. This was Stetson Bennett’s moment and he came out firing. Bennett routinely found Xavier Smith and it was the special teams ace that proved he’s a dynamic weapon on offense.

It was the Stetson Bennett show in Inglewood.

On the first drive of the game, Bennett hit Smith deep downfield on 4th and six to set up the Rams in the red zone. While Dallas challenged the play, Smith clearly made a difficult reception, finding space for his feet in between the defender and the sideline.

Blake Corum would punch it in for a touchdown a few plays later.

After stopping a Joe Milton-led Dallas offense on their initial drive of the game, Bennett got back to work. After the Rams used a strong rushing attack to batter the Dallas interior, Smith once again burned Dallas deep, resulting in a defensive pass interference call in the red zone.

With Drake Stoops throwing some violent blocks that he was on the bad end of, Corum punched the ball in for his second score of the game, effectively ending his night. When given a moment of daylight, Corum was slicing through the defense like a hot knife through butter. The Dallas defense was melting.

Bennett started strong, having a career high in passing yards in one quarter with 114 yards. He would have had more if Smith wasn’t tackled on the DPI call.

This game was dictated by discipline with the Cowboys having none.

On the Cowboys next offensive drive, Milton threw a deep pass that Shaun Jolly committed defensive pass interferance on. The Cowboys, seemingly in control, would gain the first down. However, they would be backed up after the official, running on the sidelines, collided with CeeDee Lamb (who isn’t playing) as Lamb entered the restricted space.

Then Josh Wallace put the hit stick on Luke Schoonmaker, and was then controversially called for unsportsmanlike conduct for his post hit celebration. Jolly would then be called for a highly questionable DPI penalty again but Dallas would make multiple procedureal penalties before settling for a field goal.

Dallas was lucky as Charles Woods almost intercepted Milton for what would have been a pick six.

The Rams defense was strong with Shaun Dolac, Elias Neal, and Pooh Paul Jr making multiple plays. Dolac and Neal were strong in coverage while Paul was a tackling machine.

On offense, Bennett and the Rams began to stall out, not scoring again in the first half. The Rams defense would hold Dallas to a field goal to lead 14-3 at the break.

The Rams and Cowboys would trade interceptions to begin the second half. However, the Rams defense held strong to hold the Cowboys scoreless, with Malik Dixon-Williams hitting Joe Milton out of bounds a yard before the first down marker. That play was on fourth down, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Bennett would find his form on the following drive with Ronnie Rivers and Cody Schrader helping the Rams score with Bennett hitting Schrader for the score.

Milton would lead a drive downfield and after a heroic effort by the Rams run defense, Milton went to the air for the score. Dallas would convert the two point attempt.

That’s when the Rams locked in to end the game. Brennan Presley had a massive return on the insuing play with Cody Schrader running the Rams into the red zone. Bennett would throw his second touchdown of the game, putting the game on ice.

70 yards?! pic.twitter.com/8UMEI59T2W

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 10, 2025

Dare

This is the best Bennett has ever looked. I think when they drafted him they viewed him as another Russell Wilson undersized QB. He still needs work but it’s clear he’s much better this year. His mobility is a big advantage, I think we got a taste of how Sean would play him.

Leveston played LT the second half. For his first game he played well, of course he was going against backups but he didn’t look like Arcuri and McClendon did last year. He looks like he’s got better feet than McClendon. Arcuri played RT in the second half and was fine. KT looks like a decent run blocking OT. But it will be interesting how he looks the rest of preseason.

Bennett rolls left, has choice of three routes headed to the bench, he goes with Allen https://t.co/8iNPumwBGD pic.twitter.com/ZADUksUPCV

— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) August 10, 2025

4 telling observations from Stetson Bennett's preseason showing vs Cowboys #RamsHouse #LARams #Cowboys #StetsonBennett #CowboysVsRams #NFLPreseason2025 #Georgia
(via @milroyigglesfan)https://t.co/7SNX7aJXI0

— Ramblin' Fan (@RamblinFan) August 10, 2025

Stetson Bennett just turned A LOT of heads with his performance against the Cowboys.

Bennett finished the game going 16/24 (67%), for 188 passing yards, 2 passing TD’s, 1 INT, and a 100.7 passer rating.

Since training camp has started, Bennett has reportedly “taken significant… pic.twitter.com/CKV8iZeWTK

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 10, 2025

2nd HALF

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Konata Mumpfield just caught a pass deflected by a Cowboys cornerback one-handed with his left hand on 2nd and 15. 18 yard gain. That was impressive

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
After entering the fourth quarter in the red zone, the Rams navigated a holding penalty with Cody Schrader attacking Dallas on the ground and in the air, scoring a needed touchdown. Rams lead 24-6.

Rams Tapes 🇵🇷@RamsTapes
Ronnie Rivers OUT with a rib injury, Konata Mumpfield is questionable with an ankle injury.

ME (at moi.com). RB Cody Schrader just running all over Dallas in back half of the 4th quarter.

Ramblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
Cody Scrader, who already has a 9-yard TD reception. Has just exploded for 3 huge runs that piled up 51 yards

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
The Rams kept Cody Schrader on the 53 for the entire 2024 season after claiming him off waivers from the Niners. We’re seeing why today.

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
BENNETT DOES IT AGAIN! After Cody Schrader ran through Dallas’ defense, following a big return by Brennan Presley, Bennett hit Presley off play action for a touchdown. Rams lead 31-14.

UNREAL interception from Rams 2024 UDFA Cam Lampkin 🤯

Watch live out-of-market games on #NFLPlus
Blackout restrictions may apply pic.twitter.com/t2jUFAQWgm

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) August 10, 2025

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
While I’m looking forward to tonight’s Rams preseason game, the thing I’m focusing on is Mike LaFleur and Greg Williams. They’re the play callers tonight.

This is where LaFleur proves he can be a head coach.

This is where Williams proves he can succeed Chris Shula

#41 Puka Nacua ( Rams WR ) | NFL Top 100 Players of 2025

From last November, Brandon Thorn posted this one in his highlights … glad seeing same stuff, THorn is great https://t.co/FRvZlOhbIZ

— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) August 9, 2025

wv wrote:

The combination of Stafford’s condition, and the OLine issues (and playing the Texans and Eagles defenses early) just spell D-O-O-M to me.

What are you talking about? In LA the Rams don’t play in a dome. That was St.Louis.

And that’s not how you spell “dome” anyway.

Matthew Stafford has an aggravated disc in his back, but the Rams don’t seem worried

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6540764/2025/08/07/matthew-stafford-back-epidural-aggravated-disc/?source=emp_shared_article

LOS ANGELES — When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams during the tenures of coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, multiple things are often true at the same time.

For example …

It is true, after speaking with several team sources in recent weeks about quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back, that the Rams aren’t worried about Stafford’s status for the coming season.

It is also true that the situation looks and feels worrisome to just about everybody else.

Stafford, McVay told reporters on Thursday, has been dealing with an aggravated disc in his back and had an epidural as a part of his treatment. (NFL Network first reported his condition on Wednesday.) Stafford, whom McVay has called “week to week,” will work out — including throwing — on Saturday ahead of the Rams’ first preseason game against the Cowboys. Barring a setback, Stafford should resume practicing in some capacity next week as he ramps up to a full workload. That plan had been previously agreed upon by the Rams, Stafford and Dr. Robert Watkins, a spine specialist Stafford sees, according to McVay.

“If this was in-season, he would be playing right now,” McVay added. “We have taken a very cautious approach. But if we were playing a game this week, he would be playing in the game.”

The 37-year-old quarterback has dealt with back issues at various points of his career — partly due to the wear and tear that comes with his 16-season NFL tenure, and partly because he’s played behind some poor or injury-riddled offensive lines in Detroit and Los Angeles. Among Stafford’s most frightening episodes was leg numbness he experienced after a spinal cord contusion suffered in Week 11 of 2022. That year, as the Rams’ offensive line went through 11 different combinations in 11 weeks because of injuries, Stafford took 29 sacks in just nine games.

McVay said Stafford’s current back issue is unrelated to the contusion he suffered in 2022. But the point stands: this guy has taken a beating over his long career. He’s played through a lot — more than is often revealed to the public, as with last year’s late-season rib injury.

That is why, in part, the Rams initially planned to put Stafford on a modified workout plan in training camp before the back issue emerged. The original plan would have withheld Stafford from throwing or practicing fully for one out of every four days.

It’s also why re-signing backup Jimmy Garoppolo was a quietly important piece of the Rams’ offseason. Garoppolo has taken all of Stafford’s snaps so far in training camp, including at joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys this week. Third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett, who will play in the preseason while Garoppolo sits — McVay usually does not play starters or key backups — has taken the limited second-string snaps.

McVay, especially, believes the Rams can win games with Garoppolo, if he had to start. In fact, when Stafford’s return to L.A. was in question this offseason, the Rams were preparing either to go after Aaron Rodgers (who signed with Pittsburgh) or to turn to Garoppolo for 2025, multiple team and league sources said at that time. Having a quality veteran backup quarterback has eased team leadership’s fears about Stafford, at least right now, because McVay is able to install his actual offense with Garoppolo, who has experience both with McVay and in other versions of this system. Receivers, running backs, tight ends and linemen aren’t getting a limited version of the installation, and defensive players are still practicing against a competitive offense.

Still, there are packages within the offense that only Stafford, because of his unique arm talent, brings to life. He got some of that work in the spring, especially with veteran receiver Davante Adams (who signed with the Rams in free agency).

But it’s worth noting, if we’re talking about “multiple truths,” that the Rams view joint practices as the most valuable reps of the offseason. McVay specifically schedules these sessions against competitive defenses he wants to study, because he won’t use starters or any of his own new concepts in the televised preseason games. Joint practices become a competitive testing ground for new ideas and close-to-live play. Stafford did not get those reps, and according to McVay, he will not participate in the upcoming joint practices with the Chargers, either.

The Rams will face two of the NFL’s best defenses over their first three regular-season games: the Texans in Week 1, and the Eagles in Week 3. In 2022, when Stafford was limited in training camp by an elbow injury but started the season, the Rams faced a ferocious Bills defensive front in their home opener and Stafford was sacked seven times. The Rams didn’t recover from that game all year.

Perhaps the most important, yet least discussed, element in this situation involves the Rams’ offensive line. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is recovering from blood clots and is not practicing. Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein returned to practice in training camp after missing spring workouts while recovering from dual shoulder procedures. Late-summer addition D.J. Humphries and backup swing tackle Warren McClendon are rotating at left tackle. Humphries, who would start in place of Jackson, hasn’t taken any reps with Stafford. Free-agent signing David Quessenberry backs up Havenstein. Standout starting right guard Kevin Dotson suffered a chest contusion in a joint practice against the Cowboys and will miss some time, though McVay said Thursday he should be back at practice “soon.”

So, the Rams may not seem worried about Stafford right now.

But multiple things being true, even after he returns, they’ve still got to keep him upright in September, October, November …

If not, a season with confetti-dotted expectations could quickly become another mess.

Wyatt Miller@wymill07
Other injury updates from Sean McVay 🧵:

– TE Terrance Ferguson (groin), ILB Nate Landman (calf) and CB Emmanuel Forbes (calf) are all day-to-day
– DL Kobie Turner (back) still week-to-week
– OL Kevin Dotson got a chest contusion in joint practice, “We’re just being smart”
– DL Poona Ford had soreness in his groin which kept him out of practice today
– CB Ahkello Witherspoon also was held out of practice but McVay didn’t specify the injury area

Some of those absences were simply because the Rams “erred on the side of caution,” McVay said

"I'm not sure we give Jared Goff enough credit."@colincowherd and @gregcosell talk about how the Detroit Lions will adjust after losing two coordinators pic.twitter.com/g3G751jtHt

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 7, 2025

Matthew Stafford will work out Saturday, could practice for Rams next week

Gary Klein

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2025-08-07/matthew-stafford-back-injury-rams

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been sidelined because of a back issue, will work out for the first time Saturday before the Rams play the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, coach Sean McVay said Thursday.

Stafford, 37, is dealing with an aggravated disc, and recently received an epidural for the condition, McVay said, confirming what was first reported by NFL Media.

“Part of getting the epidural was part of the plan,” set up by spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, McVay said, adding that Saturday’s workout was “on par with the schedule that we always had.”

McVay said Stafford would practice next week, though he will not participate in a joint practice with the Chargers.

“And then you’ll just continue to see his workload increase as long as he’s feeling good,” McVay said. “If this was in-season he would be playing right now.”

@KurtBenkert
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but quarterbacks don’t play head-to-head.

They can’t beat each other.

Kurt Warner@kurt13warner
Not technically… but every time I played a great QB, you can bet my mindset was I had to outplay/beat the QB on the other sideline if we were going to win the game!!