Rams-Cowboys joint practice features former LA compadre Cobie Durant

Major changes shaped the Los Angeles Rams secondary this offseason. An overhaul was desperately needed after Rams DBs were torched by Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the NFC title game. Gone are cornerbacks Cobie Durant, Darious Williams, and Ahkello Witherspoon.

Williams and Witherspoon retired. Durant landed with the Dallas Cowboys, who the Rams face in a joint practice today from 10:30 AM to 12 PM PT.

General manager Les Snead was not torn or paralyzed by indecision. He deliberately failed to bring back any Rams cornerback whose contract had expired. And he did so with the blessing of head coach Sean McVay. Unfortunately, that decision forced Durant to seek his fortunes elsewhere.

Durant wasted no time impressing Cowboys coaches and fans alike. On a team with white-collar players, his no-nonsense approach was a breath of fresh air. His arrival also helped scrub the sour taste in Dallas fans' mouths over the addition of another former Rams CB, Derion Kendrick. You can't say we didn't warn them.

Rams gain plenty from joint practices, not just a good workout

Fans get a special treat from joint practices. Not only does the event pose significant challenges to players who have, for the most part, been holding back, but it also forces them to face the unexpected. One afternoon's joint session can replace a week's worth of practices against familiar foes.

The joint practice is the only dress rehearsal for starters and rotational players who won't play in the preseason. In many ways, now is the time for key backups to push for a starting role. Established units like the offensive line, the secondary, and even the pass rush are still being fine-tuned.

While Durant will lead the Dallas secondary against familiar LA receivers, starting Rams CBs Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson will face Cowboys stars George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.

Both teams have reasons to be optimistic this season. Consider this joint practice the humble prequel to Rams-Cowboys at SoFi Stadium in Week 15.

As always, thanks for reading.

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