V-8 engine roars and other great takeaways from Rams-Cowboys joint practice

The LA Rams did not have a great showing in their first joint practice and scrimmage against the Los Angeles Chargers. But what a difference a week makes this time of year. Against the Dallas Cowboys, there were still things to clean up, but this was a far better performance on all phases of the game. The Rams have a new punch list of action items to work on, which is always a great thing for working out the starters.

Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford seemed to have a lot of fun in this one. He was laughing and smiling at the podium, partially because he made a one-in-a-million touchdown throw to himself (we have that play in a later slide show). From what we could make from an episodic event like this, Stafford's love of the game showed through at the podium today. My biggest takeaway from his segment of the post-practice press conference was that Matthew Stafford is not planning any post-NFL career. He still loves the game.

The press conference after the two teams joint practice and scrimmage was rather informative. We will touch on some of the more strategic matters from this press conference later in the day. But the Rams had enough great play from key players to fill this article with some discussions about the top performers on the day.

Stafford and HC Sean McVay both described this joint practice/scrimmage as unscripted. In essence, the two teams were not held to specific scripted game scenarios, which allowed the teams to flex into how they might actually call plays in a real, game scenario. Keep in mind that from a coach's standpoint, this is about the work of preparing for the 2024 NFL season.

The one passage that deserves to be pulled out and mentioned right off the bat is Coach McVay's perspective on how the Rams offensive line held up to Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys talented defensive front. He is asked about the offensive line at the 8:10 mark in the embedded video above, and he replies:

"I thought it was better. You know, I think (that) we need to continue to get in better shape if we want to be able to play the way that we are capable of. I think that Kevin Dotson [and] Steve [Avila] did a nice job today. His [Steve Avilas] command. Joe Noteboom is doing a really nice job. We all know what a versatile player Joe is. Warren [McClendon Jr.] is taking steps in the right direction and Zach Thomas is getting a lot of reps that he is taking advantage of. There will be some things that we can certainly
clean up. I like the sense of urgency. I thought their energy was better. I
thought they played with a better edge while also playing within the confines of
how we want to practice. There are always going to be things to improve for
myself and for all of our guys."

- Coach McVay

It was clear that the Rams and Cowboys were comfortable enough to enter this joint practice with a little more real-game feel. The Rams' offense flexed play calling to be a bit more run-focused, the very vulnerability that we expressed against the Chargers. Against the Chargers, passing plays were pre-written. Without a sense of defending both runs and passes, pass rushers had a clear advantage.

But on this day, the Rams and Cowboys were able to mix up their play calling, giving defenses a far more honest need to defend both the pass and the run. And as a result, the Rams offensive line played at a far better level. But what about some of the stars of the joint practice and scrimmage? We have five that we can name right now, but as we unpack the event, look for more names to show up.