The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a 13-12 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the final minutes of their first preseason game.
A game like this allows players like wide receiver Xavier Smith a chance to show how they deserve a roster spot. Smith, a product of Florida A&M University, made four receptions for 22 yards. He was a go-to target for quarterback Stetson Bennett early in the second quarter.
“I feel good … just getting the opportunity to go out there and perform with my guys, the guys I’ve been working so hard with and coming out with a win,” Smith said. “That was just fun and enjoyable all in one.”
Last season, Smith was signed to the Rams practice squad. He noted how that experience allowed him to glean from current players and improve.
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“Just getting a chance to develop and work on my skills,” Smith said. “And then getting a chance to learn under guys like Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Puka Nacua, Matthew Stafford, seeing how those guys go about their business.”
In 2019, Smith became an American Football Coaches Association All-American. He also was MVP of the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl. The Legacy Bowl highlights HBCU players that would make good NFL Draft prospects.
“That was the end of the hard work that I put in my four years through college and then knowing the history behind guys who played at a HBCU,” Smith said. “For me, that meant a lot because I’m standing on the shoulders of giants and I want to be able to fill the footsteps that they set before me.”
Sixth-round draft pick Jordan Whittington led with 74 receiving yards from six receptions, the longest being a 30-yard bomb that ultimately led the Rams to scoring their first field goal of the matchup.
“It was like a slant and catch it,” Whittington said about the 30-yard play. “Don’t take your eyes off the ball until it stops spinning and after that, you can make your move.”
After tying at three in the first quarter and six at halftime, the Cowboys scored two field goals in consecutive possessions in the final phase. Bennett, despite getting sacked twice and throwing four interceptions, advanced across the field.
With 11 seconds left in the matchup, the Rams offensive line was on the Dallas six-yard line on a fourth down. A pass to tight end Miller Forristall tied the game and an extra point by kicker Joshua Karty gave them the one-point advantage.
“I played well and then just made a bunch of bad decisions,” Bennett said. “But I think at the end, proud that we fought back and were resilient in the end to make that drive.”
The Rams now prepare to battle the L.A. Chargers on August 17 at 4:05P.M.
