Dallas Cowboys: Midseason predictions and playoff cautionary tales
By Richard Ball
Week 15 – Cowboys vs. Rams
In Week 15, Dallas will get a chance to vindicate their 2018 playoff loss when the Los Angeles Rams come to AT&T Stadium. The Rams have had a turbulent season so far and sit in third place in their division.
Prior to the trade deadline, they traded away both of their starting corners from last year’s Super Bowl but also acquired a premier talent in corner Jalen Ramsey. It would be difficult to find another defense that features two standout talents like Ramsey and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
The Rams are full of name recognized players on their defense. Linebacker Clay Matthews, safety Eric Weddle and defensive lineman Michael Brockers, picked in the Cowboys slot when the ‘Boys traded up for corner Morris Claiborne, are all names Cowboys Nation should recognize. As long as the offense accounts for Donald, Dallas should be able to move the ball and score points.
On offense, the Rams feature running back Todd Gurley who has had an enigmatic season rushing for just over 51 yards per game. While it is too late now, Gurley’s performance is a cautionary tale about the pounding a running back takes and the risk a team takes in paying their number one back. Dallas hopes that Ezekiel Elliott doesn’t follow Gurley’s lead.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff received his big contract this past offseason. His play has been up and down this year likely a result of the pass blocking regression that occurred when tackle Andrew Whitworth retired and left guard Rodger Saffold departed in free agency. Cowboys fans should take note that under the radar roster players are no longer affordable when too many players are being paid top dollar.
This game presents as very winnable for Dallas but the Cowboys under coach Jason Garrett have a habit of getting in their own way when prosperity is staring them in the face. The tenth win could be enough to lock up the division but I see Dallas losing and dropping to 9-5 to set up a very meaningful Week Sixteen road contest.