Cowboys at Rams: 3 Offensive Storylines To Watch

Preseason football is here for the Dallas Cowboys and Brian Schottenheimer with the Los Angeles Rams up first at SoFi Stadium.

While we know that most of Schottenheimer's starters will sit this one out, it presents an opportunity for rookies and players on the roster bubble to showcase their talents and impress the coaching staff.

But it also gives us the chance to watch some players who might be ready to make some noise in 2025. In truth, there will be a couple of things I'll keep a watchful eye on at SoFi Stadium.

Let's get to it.

Joe Milton

Milton has been one of the most consistent players in Oxnard, but now he will get the chance to further showcase his talents with real NFL bullets flying.

Having made play after play in practice, which included a bomb to Jalen Brooks in the joint practice against the Rams, we will be looking for not only that in Milton's game, but also how he plays the quarterback position.

We know the physical traits, but can he play on time, get through his progressions (something Schottenheimer has emphasized), and more importantly, be accurate with the football?

We're about to see exactly where Joe is in his development.

The run game

With Jaydon Blue not expected to play, nor Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders, the running game will likely see a big dose of Phil Mafah, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke...and maybe Malik Davis?

We have seen Deuce and Luepke flash in preseason before, but Mafah looms as the most interesting watch here. Can he continue his good form from practice and put impressive things on film?

Schottenheimer thinks he has starting potential, let's see if Phil can make some noise against the Rams.

Who steps up at receiver?

Jalen Brooks, Jonathan Mingo, Traeshon Holden, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Cropper, you're up. Milton has developed good chemistry with all of the receivers listed above, but now, in a real game-like situation, how do they mesh together?

Brooks and Milton connected for a 75-yard bomb against the Rams in joint practice, while Holden and Milton have been heating up over the past couple of days. Can they continue it?

Mingo and Brooks feel like they need a strong series or two to get into the preseason groove, while Cropper always has a knack of making a couple of wow plays.

Who makes the most noise?