Three key matchups to watch in NFC Divisional round games
By Joel Deering
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams
1. Dallas offensive line vs Rams pass rush
The Dallas Cowboys gave up the second most sacks in the NFL during the regular season (56). However, during their Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks, Dak Prescott was sacked just one time.
If Dallas wants any chance of winning this game in Los Angeles, they have to protect Prescott similar to how they did against Seattle. Dallas isn’t winning this game if Prescott gets sacked five or more times.
The Rams totaled 41 sacks during the regular season, which ranked 15th in the NFL. They’re a middle of the pack team in sacks. One reason why they’re ranked 15th is because Aaron Donald had half the teams’ sacks this season (20.5). If it weren’t for Donald’s 20.5 sacks, this defensive line would likely rank toward the bottom of the league.
The matchup says Dallas offensive line vs Rams pass rush, but maybe it should say Dallas offensive line vs Aaron Donald. If I’m the Cowboys, I’m going to do everything I can to take Donald out of the game. That’s no easy task, but they have to find a way. Dallas needs to force the rest of the Rams’ defensive line to beat them.
2. Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley vs Run Defense
Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley ranked first and third in rushing yards this season. Gurley potentially could have ranked first if he hadn’t missed some time. Regardless, these are two of the best RBs in the NFL. Both can make huge plays on the ground on any run.
A key to victory in this game for both teams will be stopping the run against either Elliott or Gurley. Dallas is coming off a game in which they held the number one rushing offense (Seattle Seahawks – 160.0 rush yards per game) to 73 total rushing yards. Now they face the Rams, who ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards by averaging 139.4 yards per game.
By holding the Seahawks to 73 yards, Dallas made them a one dimensional team. That worked out in Dallas’ favor. Todd Gurley enters this game a little banged up. How impactful will be be against the fifth ranked rush defense of the Cowboys?
For Dallas, if they can get Ezekiel Elliott going early, it will make everything so much easier offensively. It’ll open everything up. Zeke is coming off 26 carries for 137 yards against the 13th ranked run defense of Seattle. Now he’s up against the 23rd ranked rush defense of the Rams.
With everyone the Rams have on the defensive line, I’m surprised they rank 23rd, but they gave up an average of 122.3 rush yards per game. Dallas knows the Rams have an explosive offense. A way to keep that offense off the field is to run the ball. If the Rams can find a way to shut Zeke down, the Cowboys will struggle on offense.
3. Amari Cooper vs Rams secondary
The success Amari Cooper will have against the Rams will likely depend on how the Dallas run game does, but it will also depend on how the other Dallas receivers play. Dallas receiver Allen Hurns won’t be playing in this game due to a terrible ankle injury suffered against the Seahawks. WR Cole Beasley has a chance to play, but he also suffered an ankle injury against Seattle.
With those two injuries at WR, that leaves primarily Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. Gallup shows flashes of potential in almost every game, but he isn’t a consistent threat the Rams have to worry about. He played in every game for the Cowboys this season, but has gone over 50 yards receiving just four times. He has yet to go for 100 yards.
That means Cooper is going to have to get open. If the Rams are smart, they’ll try to take away Cooper and force Prescott to find his other receivers. That would definitely give the Rams an advantage.
It’s likely Cooper will be facing double teams against the Rams. If he is, he has to find a way to get open in double coverage. Cooper’s ability to get open in this game will directly impact how well Prescott does as a passer.
If the Rams take away Cooper, it’ll give more time for Aaron Donald and company to get Prescott on the ground. That’s exactly what they want to happen against their NFC Divisional round opponent.