Cowboys at Rams: Positional unit matchups and season predictions
By Brad Austin
SPECIAL TEAMS CLASH
Dallas now employs both the 2019 Rams special teams guru John Fassel and elite kicker Greg Zuerlein. Los Angeles’ rookie kicker Sam Sloman is no match for Zuerlein. Special teams coach John Bonamago has a long resume but still a downgrade.
ADVANTAGE: COWBOYS*
COACHING BATTLE
Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay is a very creative, well respected coach with a Super Bowl appearance in only three years on the job. While Dallas’ Mike McCarthy has been to four conference championship games and won a Super Bowl.
The Rams will debut their first year NFL defensive coordinator. And also break in their new offensive coordinator from the 2019 Washington Redskins.
Even with second year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Dallas’ top two assistants have more NFL experience. Actually Moore is the only coordinator in this game that’s done so for the team he’ll be coaching on Sunday.
ADVANTAGE: PUSH
SEASON PREDICTIONS
- 2020 RECORD: 10-6, NFC EAST CHAMPIONS
- 2020 PLAYOFFS: 1-1, DIVISIONAL ROUND LOSS
- OFFENSIVE MVP: DAK PRESCOTT
- DEFENSIVE MVP: DEMARCUS LAWRENCE
Must Read. How much of a concern is the Dallas Cowboys offensive line?. light
AND THE WINNER IS…
The Cowboys front seven eliminates the run and delivers enough pass rush heat to shorten the Rams potent passing attack. Dallas has more offensive balance and keeps pace on the score board. A key turnover swings the final tally to the Cowboys in a 3-point win courtesy of former Rams kicker Zuerlein. COWBOYS 23, RAMS 20.