5 winners and 2 losers from Rams' impressive preseason opener vs Cowboys

As much as we convince ourselves that it's just preseason, there is something about preseason, and that first real football game that gets to me. It doesn't count in terms of the regular season, but who cares? It looks like a football game. It sounds like a football game. And the players give effort like in a football game.

The Los Angeles Rams know this game doesn't mean much, but that doesn't mean it's meaningless. Of the 90 players who exist on the roster today, 37 of those players will not be on the sidelines in a month when the team hosts the Houston Texans. The unfortunate reality is that most of them will need to have an excellent preseason to stick.

And fortunately, LA is coming off an impressive 31-21 preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys with plenty of performances that might just alter roster considerations when it's all said and done.

Biggest winners and osers from Rams first preseason game

(Winner-5) Rams' secondary depth looks solid

The Rams' secondary in this one allowed just 149 yards and one touchdown, while only allowing 19 of 32 passes to be completed (merely a 59.4 percent completion rate). The secondary also came up with an interception in the end zone. No Rams projected starters played in this one, and many key rotational defensive backs sat out as well.

Cornerback Cam Lampkin recorded the lone interception. Undrafted rookie safeties Nat Valcarcel (10 tackles, one pass deflection) and Malik Dixon-Williams (five tackles) showed up as well.

(Winner-4) Ethan Evans is a punting machine

LA is looking for speedsters who can play a gunner role in punt coverage units on special teams. Why? Because Ethan Evans kicks the leather off the football, that's why.

Ethan Evans was only tasked with punting twice in this game, averaging an amazing 72.5 yards per punt. That is nearly 50 percent longer punting than Cowboys punter Bryan Anger, who averaged 48.7 yards in three punts.

(Winner-3) - These veteran wide receivers

Perhaps one of the fiercest competitions going on right now is between WRs Xavier Smith and Britain Covey. The reason for this competition is clear. Both Smith and Covey offer multi-versatile roles for the team, both as a wide receiver on offense and as a return specialist on special teams.

Early in the game, WR Xavier Smith made a spectacular catch down the left sideline for 39 yards. At the game's end, Smith caught all three passes thrown his way for 55 yards.

But hot on his heels was Covey. The free agent addition caught both passes thrown his way for 31 yards. He hauled in an equally impressive 26-yard pass. Neither player wanted to give the other an early advantage in a competition that seems destined to last through the final preseason game.

(Winner -2) Blake Corum finally finds the end zone, twice

It's mind-blowing to think that a running back from Michigan who scored 45 rushing touchdowns in his final two seasons was unable to find the end zone a single time in his rookie season. Such is the tale of Blake Corum, who sat out the entire 2024 preseason for 58 carries and 207 rushing yards in the regular season.

In the first preseason game, the second-year back rushed nine times for 32 yards and two touchdowns. It very much appeared that the Rams deliberately wanted to give him a taste of plunging it in for the score. Perhaps the concept of keeping backup running backs out of preseason games is finally being challenged.

(Winner -1) Rams competition over heart of defense heating up

It should be noted that ILBs Nate Landman, Omar Speights, and Troy Reeder did not compete in this game, which all but confirms that the trio has made the 53-man roster. That also means that the four remaining inside linebackers must scramble furiously for what is likely one final roster spot.

Tony Fields II recorded nine tackles. Undrafted rookie Shaun Dolac recorded six tackles. And rookie Pooh Paul Jr. wore the green dot and put up five tackles in the game. Only Elias Neal emerged from the game without a tackle.

Coach McVay made it a point to call out rookie ILB Pooh Paul Jr. for his headsy play in the game.

The inside linebacker room is simply too deep this season for the Rams roster to keep everyone. I suspect that the team will try to slide Shaun Dolac and Tony Fields to the practice squad from what we've witnessed so far, and keep Pooh Paul Jr. on the active roster.

(Loser-1) Rams run defense is suspect without starters

While the defense started the game out well, shutting down the Cowboys offense without a score through the first quarter, it was not something that would last. Eventually, the Cowboys would find the end zone twice. And it was due, in large part, to their rushing attack.

Three Dallas running backs-Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, and Deuce Vaughn combined for 19 carries and 110 yards, for an average of 5.79 yards per carry. While it was against the depth players, it does leave some concern as to how stingy LA's run defense can be if the defense is forced to tap backups this year.

It's still early. But I have to say, I expected better.

(Loser-2) Rams search for punt coverage specialists continues

Evans' first punt of the game, a beauty that travelled 67 yards without a return that was nullified by a foolish penalty by DB Charles Woods. That forced the Rams to punt once more. On the second attempt, he punted the football 64 yards. But on this punt, Cowboys punt returner Jalen Tolbert returned it 24 yards. That nets to just 40 yards.

If the Rams could find and play gunners who could cover those booming punts, the defense would have a field day stepping onto the gridiron with their opponents consistently pinned deep in their own territory. Until that happens, Evans' booming punts may be as much of a curse as a blessing.

Overall, the energy was great after the win. There was a lot to like and some notes to consider, but this team is on the right track. As always, thanks for reading.