SEEING SOMETHING DIFFERENT--Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford under center at training camp, poised for the new test in front of him. (JACKSON BURRELL/PHOTO)
By Jason Burrell | South Bay Black Journal
Matthew Stafford didn’t need Tuesday’s joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys to be perfect.
He needed it to be different.
After weeks of facing a Rams defense that knows the offense and its tendencies, Stafford welcomed the opportunity to process unfamiliar looks without the benefit of a game plan.
“We just go out there and play our rules, see how they hold up,” Stafford said. “There’s going to be things to learn, things to correct, but it’s a good chance to go compete to see what else is out there.”
Dallas made sure there would be plenty to evaluate.
Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron intercepted Stafford once as part of a three interception day for Barron.
Both defensive fronts also generated pressure, giving the quarterbacks on each side challenging looks throughout the joint practice.
Rams coach Sean McVay still came away encouraged by his quarterback.
ONE COOL COACH– Rams Head Coach Sean McVay addresses the media during training camp as the Los Angeles eyes another Super Bowl opportunity. (JACKSON BURRELL/PHOTO)
“I thought he was great,” McVay said of Stafford. “There was one where he was just a little bit late over the middle, but I thought he kept the ball in play. I thought he saw coverage really well.”
Stafford saw positives around him as well.
He praised the Rams’ offensive line against a stout Dallas defensive front and said Los Angeles created explosive plays in the passing game.
“I was happy with our operation, the way we competed,” Stafford said.
DEFENSE DEFENSE-Rams defense is on alert during scrimmage with Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys during training camp. (JACKSON BURRELL/PHOTO)
That’s part of why Stafford values joint practices.
The objective isn’t to scheme around an opponent’s strengths or spend a week attacking its weaknesses. Players are asked to trust their fundamentals, recognize what’s happening and adjust.
“It’s been fun for us to go out there and work against those guys, see something new and just kind of turn your brain onto something a little bit different,” Stafford said.
For Stafford, Tuesday provided exactly that.
Good competition.
Corrections to make.
And, most importantly in August, something different to learn from.
