Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams: 2025 Preseason Opener Brings First Look at Brian Schottenheimer’s New Era

The Dallas Cowboys are back under the bright lights for the first time in 216 days, opening their 2025 preseason campaign against the Los Angeles Rams in Southern California. While the game won’t count toward the regular season standings, it marks the debut of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s vision for the franchise.

This clash at SoFi Stadium offers Cowboys fans their first real glimpse into the changes implemented over the past seven months. It’s a testing ground not just for rookies and newcomers, but for a restructured coaching staff and a retooled playbook aimed at reviving Dallas’s postseason ambitions.

Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams: What to Watch in the 2025 Preseason Opener

The headline act is rookie quarterback Joe Milton, who has been generating buzz at training camp. With Dak Prescott resting, Milton is expected to see extended action, giving coaches and fans a chance to evaluate his poise, arm strength, and decision-making under live game conditions.

Running back depth will also be on display. With limited healthy options, Javonte Williams, Deuce Vaughn, rookie Phil Mafah, and recently re-signed Malik Davis will all compete for early roster momentum. How offensive coordinator Matt Eberflus uses these backs could offer early clues about his offensive philosophy.

Defensively, Dallas faces a key early challenge. The Cowboys struggled last season in pass coverage and run defense. Eberflus, now overseeing the defensive scheme, will aim to prove those issues are addressed — even if he’s keeping much of the strategy under wraps until Week 1.

Why This Preseason Game Matters for the Cowboys’ 2025 Season

While preseason outcomes often fade quickly, the performances in these early games can determine roster spots and set the tone for the year ahead. For Schottenheimer, this is a chance to establish discipline, evaluate player chemistry, and test the adjustments made in the offseason.

Facing a familiar opponent in Sean McVay’s Rams adds intrigue. The two teams held joint practices earlier in the week, meaning both coaching staffs have seen glimpses of each other’s tendencies. Still, the Rams’ defensive pressure and creative offensive schemes will give Dallas’s starters and backups a meaningful challenge.

Schottenheimer has already hinted that his playbook won’t be fully revealed, but the fundamentals — blocking execution, tackling efficiency, and ball security — will be on full display. In a competitive NFC landscape, those building blocks are crucial.

Expert Insight: Building a New Identity

Former NFL quarterback and analyst Trent Green noted that preseason success isn’t about the scoreboard.

“For a new head coach, it’s about setting the tone — the way you prepare, the way you communicate, and the way you respond to adversity,” Green said. “Schottenheimer’s job tonight isn’t just to win; it’s to start building trust and culture.”

Fans will also watch how special teams perform, as this unit often swings momentum in close games. Rookie returners and fringe roster players will use these reps to prove they belong when the regular season kicks off.

Following the Rams matchup, Dallas will return to training camp to make adjustments before their next preseason test. Position battles will intensify, particularly at backup quarterback, running back, and cornerback.

With just three preseason games before the regular season, every snap matters. For the players on the bubble, a single standout performance could mean the difference between making the 53-man roster or facing release.

Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams is more than a preseason contest — it’s the first chapter in a new era for one of the NFL’s most watched franchises. Tonight’s game will provide answers, raise new questions, and set the stage for the 2025 season.

You Must Know:

Q1: Who is starting at quarterback for the Cowboys in the 2025 preseason opener?
Rookie Joe Milton is expected to get extended playing time as Dak Prescott sits out to rest for the regular season.

Q2: Which running backs will see action for Dallas?
Javonte Williams, Deuce Vaughn, rookie Phil Mafah, and newly re-signed Malik Davis are all set to take carries in the opener.

Q3: Why is this game important if it’s only preseason?
It offers the first live test of Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching approach, player execution, and offseason adjustments.

Q4: How have the Cowboys prepared for this matchup?
Dallas held joint practices with the Rams earlier in the week, giving both teams a preview of their opponent’s tendencies.

Q5: Will the Cowboys reveal their full playbook tonight?
No, Schottenheimer has said he’ll keep some strategies hidden until the regular season begins.