Monday was the first of the Rams-Cowboys joint practices in Oxnard, Calif., the home of the Dallas Cowboys' training camp.
I was in attendance and watched the Rams' offense go up against the Cowboys' defense. The defense practiced on the farther field. I was not able to catch that session, though I did notice a few things that occurred on that side of the field.
Let's get straight into the notes and observations:
Practice Notes:
- Left Guard Rodger Saffold and linebacker/speacial teams ace Daren Bates were not dressed and did not participate. Bates was wearing a bulky knee stabilizing brace and was walking with a noticeable limp.
- Running Back Todd Gurley was dressed, but he assumed his regular rehab routine – individual and position group drills.
- First fight of the practice belonged to the defense against the Cowboys' offense.
- Second fight broke out after a few of the Cowboys' defenders got a bit too aggressive with Brian Quick. He still has on the yellow, hands-off beanie on his helmet.
- During 11-on-11's, one Rams defender clearly got a sack on the Cowboys' quarterback. But, like I said, I was too far away to clearly see who it was.
- Rams' receivers had a good day against Dallas' corners. Chris Givens beat Morris Claiborne on a slant during one-on-one drills. Both Kenny Britt and Stedman Bailey made multiple contested catches. Tavon Austin repeatedly won his one-on-one match ups. He also had a beautiful touchdown catch during 11-on-11's.
- The offensive lined had mixed results. I did not notice many issues with pass protection, but they had a few issues opening up holes for the running backs. For example, on the first play of 11-on-11drills, Tre Mason had no room to work with. A few plays later, he broke off a big run to the left side.
- Center Tim Barnes began practice with the starters. He did not stand out, but he did not draw attention to himself. I guess you can say a offensive lineman's job is done well when you go unnoticed.
- The rams rotated Barnes and Barrett Jones with the one's. Jones had an up and down day. He held up well at times, but when he got pushed back... he got PUSHED BACK!