5 huge talking points from Rams' preseason victory over the Cowboys

(5) - Rams defense was flying around all over the place

In the past, the LA Rams defense has relied upon prevention, confusion, and sometimes simple mastery to face opposing offenses and claim victory. And while this is simply a preseason game void of starters, the pattern of newly hired DC Chris Shulas's defensive philosophy is already starting to take shape. The image that is forming is a defense that insists that the players fly around after the ball and the ball carrier.

I have to admit, I really enjoyed what I was seeing.:

This was the backup defensive players, many of whom will not end up on the team's 53-man roster, who were throwing caution to the wind and flying all over the place. It was an infectious and energetic group, one that truly seemed to have fun despite taking the football field with pretty bad field position. The Dallas Cowboys never punted in this one. It came down to one of two outcomes from the Cowboys offense. They would either attempt to kick a field goal (Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made four of five field goals in this game), or they would turn the ball over on downs.

Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett threw four interceptions. But the Rams defense created three turnovers on downs. Those turnovers on downs are just as difficult, but won't be cited often in recaps about the game.

Still, Coach McVay noticed. He even did his part to acknowledge that Herculean effort at the podium in his post-game press conference.

At any point in time throughout the game, the defense could have surrendered. After all, they often had their backs to the wall. The Rams offense was not particularly effective at scoring, and was absurdly lax with ball security. And the defense was showing up on most plays. But something far greater was happening on the football field than players trying to look good.

If you wanted to get a visual of what camaraderie and esprit de corps looks like, just rewatch this game and focus on the Rams defense. Their performance was selfless, determined, gritty, and enthusiastic throughout the game. Even those players who made mental mistakes seemed to stick with it and make up for it with solid plays later in the game.

This defense looks great with backups. That sets the stage for the starters in Week 1.