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

(2) - Can Rams defense continue positive momentum?

The LA Rams starting defense will not have the benefit of competing against backup quarterback Easton Stick in this one. The Dallas Cowboys will be playing the formidable starting quarterback Dak Prescott in this one. And while Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb continues to hold out due to a contract dispute, you can expect the Rams secondary to be pushed to their limits in this one.

Against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Rams secondary played incredibly well. The starters were not only able to break up pass plays, but were able to create takeaways as well. Now the Rams face starting quarterback Dak Prescott in joint scrimmage. Will the Cowboys give struggling quarterback Trey Lance some playing time in preseason?

There are many players who have talent who remain buried on the depth chart for now. But a solid performance in the first preseason game can change all of that. Perhaps Brennan Jackson puts up a multiple-sack performance in preseason. Perhaps ILB Omar Speight proves to be a tackling machine. Perhaps DT Cory Durden proves to be a run stuffing nightmare against the Cowboys?

The team's 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season is still very much up in the air. Anyone who is not assured of having a roster spot who is interested in earning a roster spot must make their move now.

(1) - Can Rams' offense rebound after the previous joint scrimmage?

After an initial joint practice/scrimmage with the Los Angeles Chargers that was mired in quarterback sacks, tipped balls, interceptions, and an overall 'not ready for primetime,' optics by the LA Rams offense, the team is certainly out to prove itself worthy in the second round of joint practice / scrimmage

The Rams starting offensive line facing the Cowboys is projected to be:

• Joe Noteboom - left tackle
• Zach Thomas - left guard
• Steve Avila - center
• Kevin Dotson - right guard
• Warren McClendon - right tackle

It was in joint practices with the Cowboys that offensive tackle Alaric Jackson flashed future starting potential. So even as the team attempts to field the best healthy starting five offensive linemen in the scrimmage game, other offensive linemen can certainly use this opportunity to make a name for themselves.

The Rams will not play Puka Nacua in either the joint scrimmage or preseason game this week. That means that the team will be looking for significant contributions from other players. My money is on rookie WR Jordan Whittington. His versatility and prowess are such that he will have no trouble earning the coach's trust to show up. And as we all know, opportunities are the necessary ingredients to allow a young player to play lights out.

So only a dozen important storylines that fans must keep track of against the Dallas Cowboys. Easy peasy, right? Well, have no fear. We will follow up and keep you updated.

Thanks for reading.