Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams: Preseason Opener Recap (August 9, 2025)

On August 9, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys kicked off their 2025 NFL preseason with a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game, which marked the first under new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, ended in a 31-21 loss for Dallas. With both teams resting key starters like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Matthew Stafford, and Davante Adams, the game showcased backups and rookies vying for roster spots. Here’s a detailed recap of the game’s updates and highlights.

Game Overview

The Cowboys and Rams met in a highly anticipated preseason opener, following a joint practice earlier in the week in Oxnard, California. The game, broadcast nationally on NBC and streamed via NFL Network and NFL+, started at 7:00 PM ET. The Rams dominated early, leveraging a strong rushing attack to secure a 31-21 victory, with a total of 181 rushing yards compared to Dallas’ struggles on both sides of the ball.

First Quarter: Rams Take Early Control

The Rams set the tone early, winning the coin toss and electing to receive the opening kickoff. Led by backup quarterback Stetson Bennett, the Rams’ offense was efficient, with rookie running back Blake Corum punching in a 1-yard touchdown run to cap an 11-play, 79-yard drive. The extra point by Joshua Karty gave the Rams a 7-0 lead. A highlight of the drive was a 39-yard pass from Bennett to Xavier Smith on fourth-and-6, showcasing the Rams’ willingness to take risks.

The Cowboys’ first drive fizzled quickly, with quarterback Joe Milton leading a three-and-out. Dallas managed just 1 total yard in the first quarter, while the Rams racked up 170 yards and 10 first downs. Corum added a second touchdown, a 4-yard run, to close a 13-play, 64-yard drive, pushing the Rams’ lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Cowboys’ defense struggled to stop the Rams’ ground game, and social media buzz reflected the rough start, with posts noting Dallas trailing 14-0 and struggling statistically.

Second Quarter: Cowboys Get on the Board

The Cowboys found some rhythm in the second quarter, though penalties hampered their efforts. A 35-yard field goal capped a penalty-filled drive, cutting the Rams’ lead to 14-3. Meanwhile, the Rams extended their advantage with a 37-yard field goal by Joshua Karty, making the score 17-3. A notable moment came when CeeDee Lamb, despite being in street clothes, drew an offensive interference penalty for straying onto the sideline, adding a lighthearted moment to the game.

Dallas closed the gap slightly before halftime with another field goal, bringing the score to 17-6. The Rams outgained the Cowboys 156-97 in the first half, but Milton’s completions, including a 7-yard sideline throw to Traeski, gave Dallas some life. At halftime, Stetson Bennett led the Rams with 10-for-16 passing for 115 yards, while Blake Corum had 9 carries for 32 yards and two touchdowns. For Dallas, Milton’s performance was mixed, with the team struggling to sustain drives.

Third Quarter: Defensive Stand and Rams’ Field Goal

The third quarter saw limited scoring, with the Rams adding a 37-yard field goal by Karty to extend their lead to 17-6. A significant setback for Dallas came when Bennett threw an interception to Israel Mukuamu on a deep pass to Konata Mumpfield, marking the Rams’ first turnover. The Cowboys’ defense also displayed promising moments, as rookie linebacker Chris Paul Jr., donning the green dot as the defensive signal-caller, contributed five tackles. However, Dallas failed to capitalize on the turnover, and the Rams maintained their 11-point lead entering the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Cowboys Fight Back, But Rams Seal the Win

The Cowboys mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. Joe Milton connected with Rivaldo Fairweather for a 7-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion, cutting the Rams’ lead to 24-14 with 8:48 remaining. However, Milton suffered an elbow injury later in the quarter, forcing Will Grier to take over. Grier added a rushing touchdown with 2:31 left, bringing the score to 31-21, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

The Rams sealed the game with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Bennett to Cody Schrader, finishing a strong performance. Bennett ended the game 16-for-24 for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Schrader rushed for 59 yards. For Dallas, Milton threw for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception before exiting, and the team’s defense struggled against the Rams’ rushing attack, led by Schrader, Corum, and rookie Jarquez Hunter (41 yards).

Key Performances and Storylines

• Stetson Bennett (Rams): The former Georgia star solidified his case as the Rams’ third-string quarterback, showing poise and accuracy. His 39-yard pass to Xavier Smith and two touchdown passes were highlights, though his interception showed room for growth.
• Blake Corum (Rams): The rookie running back stole the show with two first-quarter touchdowns, earning praise across social media for his physicality and nose for the end zone.
• Joe Milton (Cowboys): Milton’s performance was a mixed bag, with flashes of potential (143 yards, one touchdown) marred by an interception and an elbow injury. His status will be a key storyline moving forward.
• Rams’ Rushing Attack: Los Angeles’ 181 rushing yards overwhelmed Dallas’ defense, highlighting depth with Corum, Schrader, and Hunter.
• Cowboys’ Offensive Line Struggles: With injuries to Rob Jones (broken neck) and Tyler Guyton (knee), the Cowboys leaned on rookies like Tyler Booker, who faced a tough test against the Rams’ defensive front.
• Brian Schottenheimer’s Debut: The new Cowboys head coach, transitioning from offensive coordinator, showed a conservative approach, but the team’s slow start raised questions about readiness.

Injury Updates

• Joe Milton (Cowboys): Suffered an elbow injury in the fourth quarter, with no clear timeline for return as of August 9, 2025.
• Matthew Stafford (Rams): Did not play due to a back injury but had a positive workout before the game, with a potential return to practice on August 11.
• Tyler Guyton and Rob Jones (Cowboys): Both offensive linemen remain sidelined with significant injuries, impacting Dallas’ line depth.

Social Media Buzz

Posts on X captured the game’s narrative, with the Cowboys’ official account highlighting Milton’s connections with Jalen and Traeski, and Will Grier’s late touchdown scramble. Fans and analysts noted the Rams’ dominance, particularly in the run game, and expressed concern over Dallas’ first-quarter struggles.

Looking Ahead

The Cowboys (0-1 in the preseason) return to Oxnard for three more practices before hosting the Baltimore Ravens on August 16. The Rams (1-0) will face the Los Angeles Chargers on August 16, following a joint practice. For Dallas, the focus will be on evaluating the backup quarterback situation, especially with Milton’s injury, and addressing offensive line concerns. The Rams, buoyed by their rushing success, aim to integrate rookies like Konata Mumpfield and solidify their defensive depth.

Final Thoughts

While the preseason record doesn’t count, the Cowboys’ 31-21 loss exposed areas of concern, particularly on defense and the offensive line. The Rams, meanwhile, started strong, with their depth players making a case for roster spots. As both teams move forward, this game gave us important information about their 2025 potential, with Dallas needing to regroup and the Rams building momentum. Fans can catch the next chapter of this storied rivalry if these teams meet again in the playoffs.