The Dallas Cowboys opened their 2025-2026 preseason campaign with a tough loss, falling to the Los Angeles Rams 31-21 in a game that showcased both promising flashes and glaring areas in need of improvement. The matchup, played under the bright lights on a Saturday night, drew attention from fans eager to get their first glimpse of new roster moves, emerging talent, and how the team might fare heading into the regular season. While preseason contests don’t carry the weight of the regular season, they remain invaluable for evaluating player performance, testing schemes, and setting the tone for the months ahead. For the Cowboys, however, this defeat marked a sobering reminder that they still have work to do before they can contend in a tough NFC landscape.
From the opening kickoff, the Rams appeared energized and better prepared, setting the tone early with a balanced offensive attack. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford, returning healthy and looking sharp in the early going, orchestrated several methodical drives that stretched the Cowboys’ defense horizontally and vertically. Stafford’s connection with his top receivers was evident, as they moved the chains consistently with crisp routes and solid catches. The Rams managed to convert key third downs and maintained possession for long stretches, a factor that would later weigh heavily on the Cowboys’ ability to find rhythm on offense.
Defensively, the Dallas Cowboys showed some resilience early but struggled to contain the Rams’ multifaceted attack. Los Angeles leaned heavily on their running game, with their star running back carving up Dallas’ front seven with effective inside and outside zone runs. The Cowboys’ defensive line, still trying to gel after offseason changes, had difficulty generating consistent pressure on Stafford, allowing him time to pick apart the secondary. Coverage breakdowns, particularly in the middle of the field, contributed to the Rams putting up 31 points by the end of the night. While preseason defenses often rotate through many personnel groups, the lack of cohesion and missed tackles on display raised questions about whether Dallas’ defensive unit can tighten up before the season opener.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys struggled to find consistent success against a Rams defense that was aggressive and well-coached. The Cowboys’ starting quarterback, stepping into his first preseason start, showed flashes of potential but was ultimately inconsistent. His decision-making was cautious, understandable given the context, but at times too tentative, resulting in missed opportunities. The offensive line had its moments but also surrendered a handful of pressures that disrupted the timing of plays and forced several hurried throws. The running game was unable to sustain drives, with Dallas’ backs often met quickly behind the line of scrimmage. As a result, the Cowboys found themselves playing catch-up for much of the night.
Special teams, often a crucial but overlooked factor in preseason games, were another mixed bag for Dallas. A few solid returns energized the crowd, and a couple of field goals extended drives, but costly penalties and a blocked punt midway through the third quarter swung momentum heavily in favor of the Rams. Those special teams miscues underscored the importance of discipline and focus, two traits that the Cowboys will need to emphasize moving forward if they want to avoid self-inflicted wounds in the regular season.
Despite the final scoreline, there were bright spots for Dallas that provided hope for the coaching staff and fans alike. Several young players stood out with impressive performances, displaying the kind of athleticism and football IQ that could earn them more playing time as the season progresses. A rookie wide receiver made a series of eye-catching catches, demonstrating sure hands and route-running savvy against tough coverage. Similarly, a second-year linebacker showcased his sideline-to-sideline speed and tackling ability, flashing the kind of instincts that could eventually make him a defensive cornerstone.
The Cowboys’ coaching staff, led by their head coach who has now been with the team for multiple seasons, emphasized after the game that preseason is about growth and evaluation rather than wins and losses. They praised the effort of the players but also acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in areas such as execution, discipline, and communication. The loss, they reiterated, was a learning opportunity that could help sharpen the team’s focus in training camp and subsequent preseason outings.
Looking ahead, Dallas will aim to rectify many of the issues that surfaced against the Rams. The offensive line needs to improve its cohesion and technique to better protect the quarterback and open running lanes. The defense must tighten its coverage and tackle more consistently to prevent opponents from racking up big plays. Special teams must eliminate penalties and mistakes to maintain field position and momentum. With roughly two more preseason games left to hone their skills, the Cowboys will lean heavily on their coaching staff to make necessary adjustments and on veteran leaders to guide younger players through this critical evaluation period.
For fans, the loss serves as a reminder that the Cowboys are still a work in progress, despite a franchise legacy that carries high expectations every year. The NFL is a league where even the smallest mistakes can snowball into costly losses, and the Cowboys will need to address those imperfections quickly if they want to compete for a playoff spot in a crowded NFC. Yet, the preseason is also a time of optimism, when rookies and lesser-known players can make their mark and when a team’s identity begins to take shape.
The Rams, on the other hand, showed why they remain a formidable opponent in the conference. Their balanced attack, solid defense, and special teams execution highlighted the benefits of stability and experienced coaching. For Dallas, this game offered a valuable measuring stick — showing what they need to aspire to and what separates them from a playoff-caliber team at this stage.
In summary, the Dallas Cowboys’ 31-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in their first preseason game of the 2025-2026 campaign was a mixed bag of encouraging individual efforts and overall team shortcomings. The defeat exposed vulnerabilities in both offense and defense, underscored the importance of discipline on special teams, and highlighted areas that must improve quickly for the Cowboys to reach their goals. Yet, it also offered glimpses of emerging talent and the potential foundation on which the team can build as the preseason continues. With lessons learned and adjustments to come, Dallas will look to rebound in their next preseason outing and use this experience to prepare for the challenges of the regular season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if the Cowboys can take the right steps to reclaim their status as one of the NFL’s elite franchises.
