Stetson Bennett delivered a steady performance in his first preseason start of 2025, throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns to guide the Los Angeles Rams to a 31-21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium. The game also marked the debut of new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who was promoted after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator.
The Rams opened the scoring with back-to-back rushing touchdowns from rookie Blake Corum, each capping early drives orchestrated by Bennett. The former Georgia standout, aiming to secure a roster spot as the Rams’ third quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, completed 16 of 24 passes. His two touchdown throws came in the second half, first to Cody Schrader and later to Brennan Presley. Bennett’s lone misstep was an interception on a deep ball, pulled down by Dallas defender Israel Mukuamu on an acrobatic play.
The Cowboys countered with Joe Milton, who threw for 143 yards and one touchdown in his preseason debut before leaving with an elbow injury in the fourth quarter. Milton connected with Rivaldo Fairweather for a score midway through the final period but was also intercepted once. Will Grier took over late and added a rushing touchdown with just over two minutes remaining, narrowing the deficit but not enough to spark a comeback.
Both teams rested most of their starters. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons were among those sidelined for Dallas. Parsons, who recently requested a trade amid contract negotiations, still attended the game with his teammates. For Los Angeles, Garoppolo did not suit up. At the same time, Stafford, sidelined during training camp with a back issue, participated in an extended pregame workout as he nears a return to practice.
The Rams’ ground game complemented Bennett’s efficiency. Schrader led all rushers with 59 yards, while Jarquez Hunter added 41 and Corum contributed 32 to go with his two touchdowns. On the other side, Dallas rotated younger players through its offensive sets while Schottenheimer tested depth options in his first game overseeing the entire roster.
The contest carried extra intrigue following joint practices between the two clubs earlier in the week in Oxnard, where Dallas holds its annual training camp. The game itself, however, remained largely free of hostility. One light moment came in the second quarter when Lamb, in street clothes on the sideline, drew a penalty after accidentally colliding with an official who ran into him. Lamb laughed off the incident after hitting the turf.
Schottenheimer, a veteran assistant with previous coaching stints in the college and professional ranks, experienced his first in-game challenge as a head coach when he unsuccessfully attempted to overturn a 39-yard completion from Bennett to Xavier Smith on the Rams’ opening drive.
Oddsmakers listed the Cowboys as slight 1.5-point favorites entering the game, but the Rams covered easily with the 10-point win. The total points finished at 52, surpassing the projected over/under of 39.5 at most sportsbooks.
The Rams, now 1-0 in preseason action, will continue preparations with a joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers before meeting them next Saturday. The Cowboys will remain in Oxnard for three more practices before returning home to face the Baltimore Ravens in their next preseason contest.
