The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their 2025-2026 preseason campaign with a tough loss, falling 31-21 to the Los Angeles Rams in a Saturday night matchup that showcased both promising flashes and areas of concern for the Cowboys as they head into the regular season. While preseason results do not always paint the full picture, this game provided a glimpse into the team’s current state and raised important questions about what adjustments Dallas must make before the stakes get higher.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that the Rams came into the game with an aggressive game plan. They executed a balanced offensive attack that combined a strong ground game with timely passing plays. On the other side, the Cowboys struggled to find consistent rhythm on offense, and their defense had moments of vulnerability against a Rams team eager to assert dominance early in the preseason.
Quarterback play was a major storyline throughout the game. Dallas’s starting quarterback showed some flashes of his usual command but was inconsistent, throwing for just over 200 yards and two touchdowns while also coughing up an interception at a critical moment. The interception, which came in the second quarter, seemed to shift momentum significantly in favor of the Rams. Dallas’s offense sputtered for stretches following the turnover, and it allowed Los Angeles to build and maintain a lead. Despite these struggles, the Cowboys did show resilience late in the game, putting together a couple of scoring drives to cut the deficit to ten points, but the Rams were able to hold them off with efficient clock management.
One of the highlights for Dallas was the performance of their running backs. The ground game appeared to be a bright spot in an otherwise uneven offensive showing. The leading rusher for the Cowboys broke off several solid runs, including a 30-yard burst that energized the home crowd and set up a touchdown. This effort demonstrated the importance of a strong rushing attack in balancing Dallas’s offensive threats and protecting the quarterback by keeping the defense honest.
The receiving corps had a mixed night. A couple of receivers stood out with big catches and yards after the catch, showing speed and good route running that could make them valuable weapons during the regular season. However, some drops and missed opportunities prevented the Cowboys from fully capitalizing on their offensive possessions. The tight end position also showed potential but lacked consistency in blocking assignments and route precision. These issues will be crucial to address in practice moving forward.
Defensively, the Cowboys faced challenges containing the Rams’ versatile offense. Los Angeles managed to score on a variety of plays, including some effective screen passes and quick slants that exploited the middle of Dallas’s defense. The Cowboys’ defensive line had trouble generating pressure on the Rams’ quarterback, which allowed Los Angeles to make quick decisions and find open receivers. This lack of pressure was a key factor in the Rams scoring 31 points, as it gave their offense time to execute plays without heavy disruption.
Despite this, the Cowboys’ defense did have some standout moments. A couple of key tackles for loss and a forced fumble highlighted their ability to make impact plays. The secondary, while tested often, showed moments of tight coverage and good ball skills, even if they gave up some crucial completions. These flashes of defensive prowess indicate that with some adjustments, the Cowboys could tighten their coverage and improve their pass rush before the regular season.
Special teams were another area that factored into the game’s flow. The Cowboys’ kicker was solid on field goals, converting two attempts, while the punter had a respectable average, helping the team in the field position battle. However, there were some lapses on kickoff coverage, which allowed the Rams to gain favorable starting spots on a couple of drives. Special teams often play a pivotal role in close games, and Dallas will want to tighten this unit to avoid giving opponents easy scoring opportunities.
Coaching decisions and in-game adjustments also came under scrutiny. The Cowboys appeared to stick with a conservative game plan for much of the contest, especially on offense. While understandable in a preseason setting, this approach seemed to limit their ability to adapt to the Rams’ defensive schemes. At times, the play-calling was predictable, which allowed the Rams’ defense to anticipate and disrupt key plays. Moving forward, the Cowboys coaching staff will need to balance player evaluation with more dynamic play-calling to better prepare the team for tougher opponents in the regular season.
The Rams, on the other hand, looked sharp and well-prepared, executing their game plan with confidence. Their quarterback displayed strong command, efficiently spreading the ball to multiple receivers and running backs. Los Angeles’s defense also played aggressively, forcing turnovers and maintaining pressure on Dallas’s quarterback. The Rams’ ability to capitalize on mistakes and sustain drives made the difference in this preseason matchup.
For Cowboys fans, this loss is a reminder that while preseason games don’t count in the standings, they are vital opportunities for players to earn roster spots and build team cohesion. The players who stood out on offense and defense gave glimpses of hope, but the team as a whole has work to do to improve consistency and execution. With several preseason games remaining, Dallas has the chance to iron out the kinks and put their best foot forward heading into the 2025-2026 regular season.
Ultimately, this 31-21 loss serves as an early reality check for the Dallas Cowboys. The talent and potential are there, but they must harness it more effectively. Improvements in quarterback decision-making, offensive variety, defensive pressure, and special teams discipline will be critical areas of focus. The preseason journey is just beginning, and the Cowboys will look to bounce back quickly and build momentum for the challenges ahead.
As the team reviews game film and prepares for their next preseason test, fans will be watching closely to see how the coaching staff adjusts and which players emerge as reliable contributors. The passion and intensity were evident on the field, but translating that into consistent performance will determine whether the Dallas Cowboys can make a deep run in the 2025-2026 NFL season. The preseason loss to the Rams is a setback, but also a valuable lesson and an opportunity for growth as the Cowboys continue their quest for gridiron success.
