This Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys made their debut in the 2024 NFL preseason with a last-second 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, ahead of the start of the new National Football League season.
As is customary for preseason openers, the game in Hollywood did not feature the big stars on the field, as they serve as a chance to observe inexperienced players who are looking to earn a spot on the rosters of both the Cowboys and the Rams.
Despite throwing four interceptions in the game, Rams backup quarterback Stetson Bennett came through on the game’s final drive, leading a 13-play, 70-yard drive and throwing a 6-yard pass into the end zone to tight end Miller Forristall for the win.
The second-year player had a nightmare afternoon against the Cowboys’ defense, turning over four balls but made amends at the crunch time and led his team to victory. Bennett, who completed 24-for-38 for 224 yards, is trying to earn a spot on the team, as Matthew Stafford’s backup will be newcomer Jimmy Garoppolo.
For the Cowboys, Dak Prescott did not see any action, as he was not even equipped and remained on the bench, and the offense was handled by the two quarterbacks who are in contention for the second spot. First up was Cooper Rush, who started the game but only played one offense where he threw three passes, completing two for 44 yards.
Then it was Trey Lance’s turn, who stayed the entire game. The QB, selected #3 in the first round of the 2021 Draft, looked a little more accurate by completing 25/41 for 188 yards through the air, with no interceptions or touchdowns, although he also managed 44 yards on six carries.
Dallas nearly won the game in Los Angeles on kicks. All thanks to its special teams star, former football player Brandon Aubrey, who kicked four field goals on the afternoon, the longest being the last, a 52-yarder with 2:52 left in the game.
The Rams led early and twice went ahead on field goals from kicker Joshua Karty, but it was Bennett who stole the show by leading the Rams to a victory over Dallas on the final play of their preseason opener.
