INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV delivered a composed and effective performance in his quest for a longer stay in the Rams’ quarterback mix, completing 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, guiding Los Angeles to a preseason-opening 31–21 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.
Bennett's first three possessions set the tone early. On the opening drive, he connected with Xavier Smith for 39 yards on a fourth-down play before Blake Corum punched in a 2-yard touchdown plunge. Corum scored again on the Rams' second drive from 4 yards out, capping off a quick-strike start.
“I thought I played pretty well,” Bennett said. “I was just glad I didn't try to force anything. (It went) pretty well, but there's things I'm going to clean up.”
Dallas, under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, struggled to find rhythm. Their offense managed just one net yard in the first quarter while the Rams piled up 160. Schottenheimer, making his sideline debut after a long run as an assistant, admitted emotions ran high ahead of the game after a heartfelt conversation with owner Jerry Jones .
Dallas came alive in the second quarter as Joe Milton III orchestrated two drives highlighted by powerful runs from Phil Mafah and a pair of Brandon Aubrey field goals, narrowing the halftime deficit to 14–6 . A memorable moment occurred when CeeDee Lamb, dressed in street clothes, collided with an official near the sideline and was penalized for making contact—even as the two shared a laugh.
The Rams reasserted control in the second half. After trading turnovers, Los Angeles added a field goal in the third quarter to extend the lead. Bennett regained traction late in the game, completing scoring drives capped by touchdown passes to Cody Schrader and Brennan Presley, pushing the score to 31–14 with under six minutes remaining .
Milton returned late, finding Rivaldo Fairweather for a touchdown, and backup QB Will Grier scored on the ground, but the comeback fell short.
The Rams’ win was a confidence booster for their backups and emerging talent from Bennett’s poised leadership to Corum’s red zone efficiency. Meanwhile, the Cowboys continue their preseason evaluation with questions at quarterback and offense to address.