Will the Los Angeles Rams run all over the Dallas Cowboys again?

In the 2018 NFL Playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams ran all over the Dallas Cowboys, ultimately being the main reason they won. Will they once again on Sunday?

The Dallas Cowboys have struggled against the run all season. This has resulted in teams marching down the field and eating clock, keeping the explosive Dallas offense off of the field.

This also opens up the passing game for the opposition, leaving the Cowboys defense giving up much too many points as of late. While Dallas gives up the eighth fewest total yards per game this season, it is their passing game that keeps that status alive.

While the Cowboys excel in the passing game, allowing the seventh fewest yards per game, their rush defense is what is poor. So far in the 2019 season, they are ranked 19th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.

While on paper you would think they would be fine against the Rams, who are near the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game, last seasons’ playoff matchup between the two teams says differently. The Rams, with Todd Gurley getting an extremely light load, are only the 21st best team running the ball at 99.4 yards per game.

On January 12, 2019, the Los Angeles Rams pummeled the Dallas Cowboys on the ground. With a one-two punch of Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson, the Rams ran for a total of 273 yards. This means the rushing attack accounted for 59.47 percent of their 459 total yards of offense.

Linebackers Sean Lee (pectoral/thigh) and Leighton Vander Esch (neck) are both injured once again heading into the matchup against the Rams, and are two key pieces to the Cowboys defense. Even if one or both are able to somehow play, they certainly will not be up to full strength.

For Dallas, one thing that may help their cause is the continued load management of Gurley. So far this season, through 12 games, he only has 77 rushing attempts. On average, this means he is carrying the ball just under 15 times per game. However, if Los Angeles starts letting him get more burn as we approach the 2019 NFL Playoffs, it could get ugly for the Cowboys. We all know that when Gurley gets his reps, he is one of the most dangerous backs in the league.

Overall, the key to the Dallas Cowboys getting a win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15 comes down to the run game. If they are able to stuff the run, the Cowboys secondary should be solid enough to slow down quarterback Jared Goff and the passing attack.