The Cowboys head into today’s game as the favorite – bit of a change for a team who has been dubbed the worst team in the NFL by several “experts”.
The Cowboys will also come into this game trying to win two in row; a feat that has seemed too big for the Cowboys to overcome in recent years. We will take a look at some of the players who could have an impact versus the Rams.
Cowboys Offense
Terrance Williams
Williams has been quiet numbers-wise in his first two games of the season. The Rams play a lot of man to man defense and will most likely double team Dez Bryant throughout the game. Look for Tony Romo to target Williams early and often.
Jason Witten
Like Williams, The Senator has started out quiet as well. But his breakout game could be against the Rams. Look for a lot of play action from Romo because the Rams will most likely sneak a safety close to the line of scrimmage to help out against this tough Cowboys running game. And when that happens, look for Witten to be open over the middle and on corner routes.
DeMarco Murray
For all the awesomeness Murray has been showing the first couple of weeks, he’s still having trouble holding on to the ball. Last week I said to keep an eye on Murray and his handles, and sure enough he fumbled in the first quarter. Let’s see if he’s able to play a game this season without fumbling.
Tyron Smith & Doug Free
Chances are the Rams will move all-pro defensive end Robert Quinn all over the defensive line. So Smith and Free will see plenty of Quinn. RQ will be the best pass-rusher the offense has seen thus far and possibly the best they see all season.
Cowboys Defense
Anthony Hitchens
Hitchens will get the starting nod at middle linebacker for injured Rolando McClain. Hitchens started last week for Justin Durant and held his own. Hitchens wasn’t mentioned much during the game last week, and for a rookie making his first start, that’s not a bad thing. But Hitchens will certainly have his name called out more this week.
Henry Melton & Terrell McClain
I’m putting both defensive tackles here because the Rams are soft in the middle on their O-line. The Rams had a fit blocking the Buccaneers DTs and that was without all-pro tackle Gerald McCoy playing most of the game. Quickness is what gives the Rams offensive line trouble, and that’s what McClain and Melton bring to the table. Look for both guys to get plenty of pressure the entire game.
Orlando Scandrick
Scandrick will be playing his first game of the season since having his suspension reduced earlier in the week. Mo Claiborne and Brandon Carr both had strong games against the Titans last week, so I would be surprised if Scandrick was to get his starting position back this week. However, look for him to have an impact in the game from covering the slot position.
The Rams defense hasn’t been what most have predicted they would be this season. And their offense has been hit and miss so far as they struggle to find a groove. Overall, the Cowboys have too much firepower on offense for the Rams to handle, and a defense that has continued to show they are not last year’s defense anymore.
Look for the Cowboys to win 24-13.
