Rams star sends early message by torching Cowboys in joint scrimmage

The Los Angeles Rams traveled to Oxnard, California, to compete in a joint practice and scrimmage with the Dallas Cowboys. It's become something of an annual event, a chance for two NFL teams that hold training camp close to one another to meet once a year and test each other's progress.

It's a controlled and scripted scrimmage, a disciplined contest that allows both teams to send their starters into competition, while controlling the variables that often result in injuries. Since both teams want to get starters up to speed and avoid injuries, it's a bit of a win-win. But it's more than that.

It's a chance for the Rams offense to push the accelerator just a bit and see what this offense is capable of. And I'm here to tell you, this engine is purring. Don't take my word for it, but you should take the words of Rams beat reporter J.B. Long to heart. He's been following the Rams throughout the offseason.

How good have the Rams looked so far? At the rate it seems to be going, it won't be long before Dallas Cowboys beat writer Joseph Hoyt is cheering LA. You can almost feel the respect and admiration from him as he shares this touchdown by Rams wide receiver Davante Adams from acting starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

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The caption almost makes me want to laugh to myself.

And yet, it's not overstating. It's not hyperbole. It's a bit understated, to be honest. But if you are not yet convinced. Here is another easy-peasy lemon-squeezy score.

And it's just getting started.

Rams fans should get ready for vintage Davante Adams

When it comes to the Rams and wide receiver Adams, many hoped that he might delay any diminished production by teaming up with Rams HC Sean McVay. He is a perennial 1000-plus receiving yards performer who has averaged 11 touchdowns per season over the past nine years.

But at his recent best, he can put up 1500-plus receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Is that out of reach in 2025? Why should it be? Adams was miserable over the past two seasons, and he still averaged 1100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns per season. And it just so happens that he is having the time of his life competing with the Rams offense.

Passionate football players are at their best when they love the game. And right now, Adams has rediscovered his youthful enjoyment of the game he loves so much. It's that passion for football that has transformed the Rams vs Cowboys joint scrimmage into a playground pickup game.

And just like he would perform at the playground, he is shredding the Cowboys' secondary.

Oh, we can temper our euphoria by understanding this is just a joint scrimmage. We can keep one foot on the ground by acknowledging that this is not a real football game. But don't be so set on realism that you ignore what this also means. Today's scrimmage is about assessing how far the Rams offense has progressed. And by any measure, this offense is passing with flying colors.

As always, thanks for reading.

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