OXNARD, Calif. -- Looking back at last summer, the Dallas Cowboys' joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams could have been viewed as a precursor to what was to be for the 2025 Dallas defense.
Jimmy Garoppolo -- not future MVP Matthew Stafford, who was dealing with back issues -- lit up the Cowboys' defense that day. Receivers Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell had their way. Kyren Williams broke off big runs.
The counter by those in the organization was that the defense did not have Trevon Diggs (injury) or Micah Parsons (hold-in), and the unit was vanilla with its looks and didn't show anything.
Without knowing then what is known now, that was all plausible -- but then the season started and the Cowboys allowed 511 points, most in the NFL.
On Tuesday, the Cowboys travel to the Rams' facility in Woodland Hills, California, for a joint practice. Just like last year, they have a new coordinator -- Christian Parker replacing Matt Eberflus -- and an almost completely revamped staff.
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So far in Cowboys vs. Cowboys practices, the reviews have been positive for Parker and his defense, but the Rams offer a chance for a test. And with the starters not expected to play in the preseason games, the importance of this practice -- and the Aug. 18 work against the New Orleans Saints -- is not lost on Parker.
"I think it's real important, especially as much experience as coach [Sean] McVay has and Matthew Stafford at that position," Parker said. "The pre-snap looks and the motions and the things they do formationally, they've been a very successful offense during his tenure there. So it's going to be a good test for us, where we're at, and make sure our eyes are right and we're playing with the right demeanor."
Safety Malik Hooker is one of the holdovers from last year's practice against the Rams.
"We allowed a lot of big plays given up on communication errors," he said. "Not only that, I feel like our physicality didn't really show as much that day. So looking forward to coming out here and being able to have a good healthy practice with those guys and put our skills to the test."