As much as the preseason will settle position battles and shape the 53-man roster, there aren't many better evaluation barometers than a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. It was the biggest litmus test of the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, and they passed the test.
We're normally not in the business of overreacting to a glorified scrimmage. But it's the LA Rams we're talking about. They're the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl, and Dallas arguably won the day.
By far the biggest takeaway? Christian Parker's defense made life difficult for Matthew Stafford and Co., getting contributions from up and down the roster. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at some of the biggest standouts from what can only be described as a great day for the Cowboys.
6 Dallas Cowboys standouts from joint practice vs. the LA Rams
Justin Barron, LB
Barron had quietly been stacking good days in Oxnard, but nobody expected him to turn into prime Sean Lee on Tuesday. The second-year linebacker had not one, not two, but THREE interceptions in team drills, including one on Matthew Stafford against the Rams' starting offense.
Poetically, Barron's third INT ended practice for the Cowboys. An exclamation point ending to a perfect day for a roster hopeful who spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad. You have to think Barron is making a serious push to make the 53-man roster. How could he not be?
Quinnen Williams, DT
Williams deserves an assist on Barron's first interception, as he walked a Rams offensive lineman into Stafford's lap and forced the reigning MVP into an off-balance throw.
Per Nick Harris of the Star-Telegram, Williams had four tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack. He was a driving force in Dallas' neutralization of Los Angeles' ground game. Brian Schottenheimer was asked about that after practice and had the following to say (h/t Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News).
"Quinnen Williams, I think we should probably keep that contract. I think that was a good contract for us. Thrilled about him and what he's brought. ..."
Co-sign, Schotty.
Locked in as the centerpiece of the defense after signing a $105 million extension, Williams is going to be essential to everything Dallas wants to accomplish on that side of the ball. Tuesday was a reminder of just how dominant he can be.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, OLB
Williams was great, but he wasn't the only star on Dallas' defensive front.
With an early sack in team drills, Ezeiruaku helped set the tone for what was an eye-opening display from Christian Parker's group. He capped an active afternoon with a TFL on one of the final plays of practice.
The Cowboys don't need Ezeiruaku to be an All-Pro in Year 2, but this defense could be dangerous if he makes the leap as a pass rusher. You love to see him causing havoc against a physical Rams offensive line.
Shavon Revel, CB
The Revel hype train continued chugging along, as Cowboys reporters fawned over his coverage against Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Sean McVay did what any smart play-caller would and tested Revel early. The 2025 third-round pick didn't blink, nearly intercepting a fade intended for Nacua in red-zone work and breaking up a deep ball to Nacua.
That wasn't all. Revel also forced a fumble on a Rams running back with what Joseph Hoyt coined as the "most casual hit stick I've seen." Poor tackling was among the criticisms that followed Revel throughout his rookie year, but plays like this suggest he finally trusts his body to get down and dirty against ball-carriers.
DeMarvion Overshown, LB
With the Rams leaning heavily on their short passing game, the Cowboys' linebackers had a productive afternoon. Overshown led the charge, making stops against both the run and pass while flashing the sideline-to-sideline athleticism that has fans willing to sacrifice body parts if it meant him keeping a clean bill of health.
Most of Overshown's activity came as the MIKE linebacker. He seems like the favorite to win that job, and with it could come the responsibility of donning the green dot as the defense's main communicator.
George Pickens, WR
Even without Myles Garrett, who did not practice, the Rams' defense has serious firepower. It was an up-and-down day for Dak Prescott and Co., but Pickens was not fazed.
Often lined up against Emmanuel Forbes, Pickens had himself a day. The highlights included a catch on a back-shoulder throw from Dak Prescott and a catch over the middle that Pickens turned into extra yards. Amped after the latter reception, Pickens celebrated by kicking over the end zone pylon.
The Cowboys will hope that Pickens keeps his emotions in check once the games count, but you have to love seeing the 25-year-old show that fire and try to get in opponents' heads. He's had a tremendous summer.
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