Cowboys at Rams: Breaking down Los Angeles in all 3 phases
By Jack Baker
Special Teams
Kicker Greg “the leg” Zuerlein made 27/31 kicks this season logging in at 87.1% Zuerlein has one of the strongest legs in the league, making four 50+ yard kicks, with a long of 56 in the 2018 season.
Punter Johnny Hekker is known for his passing as much as he is known for his punting, Hekker went 2/4 passing this year and is 11/19 since he started his career in 2011. The Cowboys need to always be aware of the fake punt as the Rams like to pull it out when teams are least expecting.
In the return game, wide receiver Jojo Natson controls the punt returns as free safety Blake Countess takes the kickoffs.
Although the Rams do not have a return for a touchdown this year, it is imperative that the Cowboys special teams do not allow the Rams to get good field position for their high-flying offense.
Prediction time!
I believe the Cowboys will come out flying on both sides of the ball. Expect the Hot Boyz and linebackers, Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch, to take control of the run game and shut down Todd Gurley. The Cowboys need to create at least one turnover on defense in order to pull off the upset.
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With the Rams focusing on Zeke, I expect Dak Prescott to have an all-time game and lead the Boys to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1996.