Rams vs Cowboys preseason Week 1: 12 storylines fans must monitor

(10) - Can Rams defensive front generate any pass rush?

Even as the LA Rams had a pretty solid performance against the Chargers and their rather impressive offensive line, the Rams will need to demonstrate the ability to get pressure on the Cowboys' quarterbacks at both the scrimmage and preseason games. And if the team sticks to a limited rotation in scrimmage, then there should be ample young talented players to put on a show in the first preseason game.

The team invested quite a bit into this defense in terms of draft picks. In the past two seasons, the front office drafted OLB Byron Young, NT/DT Kobie Turner, OLB Jared Verse, and DT Braden Fiske in the first two days of their respective drafts. And if you expand the scope to include Day 3 drafted rookies, you add OLBs Brennan Jackson, Nick Hampton, and Ochaun Mathis. Those are talented young pass rushers on this roster.

But now it's time to put up. The team cannot be satisfied with so much potential if it never becomes production. We have heard about the incredible performances of young players on this defensive front throughout training camp. Now, fans are eager to see it for themselves.

(9) - Which unheralded rookies will capture spotlight and fans hearts?

The LA Rams drafted 10 rookies in 2024. Of the group, I would say that six are likely to be held to face the Cowboys during the team's joint scrimmage. That should allow OLB Brennan Jackson, perhaps safety Kamren Kinchens, DT Tyler Davis, and IOL Beaux Limmer to see their first competitive action in the first preseason game. And to be honest, any of the four players named could show up in the team's highlight reel.

The fans for this team have come to expect the unexpected. Whether it comes in the form or an undrafted player seizing a roster spot, or a Day 3 drafted rookie capturing a spot among the game's top performers, fans know that anyone on this roster has the opportunity and the talent to show up in a huge way. That climb to the top-tier of the NFL is a long and arduous journey. As such, it begins now.

Opportunities may come in the form of better than expected performances at the joint scrimmage. Or it could show up in the team's first preseason game. While we don't know the identity of the player yet, we all know the script by heart. They will show up as an unexpected star, whether on offense or defense. And as we celebrate one performance, he will show up again in even a bigger and better way.