The Los Angeles Rams will see a new opponent lined up across from them on Tuesday when the Dallas Cowboys take the practice field in Woodland Hills. The two NFC teams are scheduled for a joint practice Tuesday morning at the Rams' facility, bringing together some of the best players at their respective positions.
Sean McVay values joint practices greatly, giving his starters a chance to compete against another team rather than suiting up in the preseason. So Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua will all get to see what another defense can throw at them.
Ahead of Tuesday's practice, these are the six best matchups to watch.
CB Trent McDuffie vs. WR CeeDee Lamb
Talk about a heavyweight bout. McDuffie has the ability to move around the formation and follow Lamb wherever he goes,
whether it's outside or in the slot. By all accounts, Lamb has had a strong camp for the Cowboys, but McDuffie has lived up to the hype all summer for the Rams.
Plus, McDuffie has been challenged every day by Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, so he'll be ready for the Cowboys star.
CB Jaylen Watson vs. WR George Pickens
As exciting as McDuffie-Lamb is, Watson-Pickens is another outstanding matchup. At 6-foot-2, Watson has the size and length to match up with Pickens, something the Rams struggled with against bigger receivers last season. With the 6-3 Pickens lining up outside, Watson will be tested down the field, similar to the way he has been against Adams in practice this summer.
Expect this matchup to be a physical one on the outside.
RG Kevin Dotson vs. DT Quinnen Williams
The Rams' interior defenders are no slouches, with Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske bringing plenty of juice. But on Tuesday, Dotson will go up against Williams, who's one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. It'll be good-on-good with this battle, featuring two incredibly powerful human beings in the trenches.
It's a great way for Dotson to get ready for the season, knowing some of the talented defensive tackles he'll be tasked with blocking this season.
DE Myles Garrett vs. RT Terence Steele
Warren McClendon Jr. will probably be happy to get a little break from Garrett on Tuesday, but there's no question Garrett is making the young right tackle better. Now, Garrett will face Steele at right tackle, which is a mismatch that favors the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Garrett has been dominant all summer long, with Sean McVay calling some of the plays he makes "freaky" because of how athletic he is.
RB Kyren Williams vs. LB DeMarvion Overshown
The Rams' running backs have had a great offseason, which will make this a test for Dallas' linebackers after Williams and Blake Corum break through to the second level. Williams has always been a serviceable receiver but it'll be interesting to see how he does as a pass catcher against the incredibly athletic Overshown.
Naturally, there will be some extra physicality going up against a different team, too, making rushing plays important in this setting.
TE Terrance Ferguson vs. DB Caleb Downs
Ferguson can line up everywhere, including the slot where the rookie Downs will roam. Given each player's athleticism, this should be a fun matchup in the passing game. Ferguson has looked good in practice and is building momentum toward Week 1, while Downs has reportedly impressed in Cowboys camp.
Ferguson has a chance to be the Rams' third receiving option after Adams and Nacua.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 6 best matchups to watch in Rams-Cowboys joint practice Tuesday
