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

(6) - What will Rams allow to be seen from special teams?

When it comes to the Rams special teams, there is not a great deal of depth associated with specialists. With the exception of the kicker position, with Tanner Brown still vying for a chance to supplant rookie kicker Joshua Karty, and the return specialist battle between WR Tutu Atwell and RB Boston Scott, the Rams are going to play starters in both scrimmage and preseason games.

So what will fans get to see?

Well, everyone will finally get to see what all of the fuss is about. I have seen how the new kickoff rules work, and I have to agree with Coach McVay in that it appears to look wierd. Until we see Rams players lining up for the new kickoffs and kickoff returns, it will remain wierd and unfamiliar. But we will all have the chance to see the new rules in action now.

Even in the new kickoff, will the Rams use punter Ethan Evans in that format as indicated earlier in the season? Will the team use Tutu Atwell, Boston Scott, or some third player to return kickoffs? Will Tanner Brown, Joshua Karty, or both be kicking field goals and extra points for the team? There are many questions that need answers against the Cowboys.

(5) - Rams depth will be tested intensively

While the Rams' first unofficial depth chart has been released, laden with surprises and questions, we know that it will be revised before final cuts pare the team down to the 53-man roster limit. The difference between the joint activities scheduled with the Dallas Cowboys is that, unlike the joint practice / scrimmage with the Chargers, the team follows up the joint practice / scrimmage with a preseason game that will likely involve many of the remaining players on the roster for the first time in nearly live-action speed.

The Rams rookies, depth veterans, and players fighting for a roster spot will have their first chance to show up and stake their claim.

While the team will struggle to get everyone onto the field, even if you combine the effect of joint scrimmage and preseason games, there will be ample opportunity to see a large number of players in live action for the first time. With so many new players in new jersey numbers, we will all struggle to stay abreast of the players in live action.

But all we will need is to see a great play, and that player's face, jersey number, and name will be burned into our memory instantly.