The Landry Hat
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3 Cowboys 2023 opponents who got significantly worse this offseason

By Maitland Rutledge

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the first quarter in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the first quarter in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with Nick Scott #33 of the Los Angeles Rams after intercepting a throw during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with Nick Scott #33 of the Los Angeles Rams after intercepting a throw during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams title defense in 2022 did not go well to put it lightly. After winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl since their relocation to Los Angeles, Stan Kroenke paid dearly for going “all in”. The team went 5-12 and finished third place in the NFC West. The losses surpassed the 1999 Denver Broncos for most by a defending Super Bowl champion the following season.

So far in the 2023 offseason, things are not looking any better for Sean McVay and company. The team immediately made a blockbuster deal, trading away pro bowler Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a third round pick and tight end Hunter Long. The Rams also released linebacker Bobby Wagner, who just a year ago signed a five-year contract. His old team the Seattle Seahawks quickly snatched him up.

While Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald will all be back and healthy next season, the Rams have not done anything this offseason that indicates they will be Super Bowl contenders again. Their only signings so far this offseason have been their own: guard Coleman Shelton and defensive tackle Marquise Copeland. Although their lack of activity is mostly due to their salary cap situation.

The Cowboys beat the Rams easily in Los Angeles last season thanks to their defense and steady play of Cooper Rush. In that game Stafford and Kupp were both healthy but failed to get their offense going. With a similar if not far worse roster from the Rams, Dallas should be favorites in this matchup regardless of when it comes during the season.

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