Pregame analysis: Rams at Cowboys
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The Edge
Quarterback: Advantage Dallas
Running backs: Advantage St. Louis
Receivers: Advantage Dallas
Offensive line: Advantage Dallas
Defensive line: Advantage St. Louis
Linebackers: Advantage Dallas
Secondary: Advantage Dallas
Pass rushers: Advantage Dallas
Special teams: Advantage St. Louis
Depth: Advantage Dallas
Coaching: Advantage Dallas
Prediction Rams 17 - Dallas 35
Rams Keys For Success
1. Run even without Steven Jackson. Jackson is a workhorse who can carry the ball 20-25 times and add another half-dozen pass receptions to his load. Without Jackson, the Rams will need to split those duties, with Brian Leonard getting the majority of the carries and Travis Minor being worked into the receiving role. The Rams should to look to run Leonard straight ahead because Dallas nose tackle Jason Ferguson (torn biceps) is out for the season. All 3-4 schemes revolve around a powerful nose tackle who demands double-teams. Jay Ratliff, filling in for Ferguson, is blockable with one man. Rams center Brett Romberg can handle Ratliff and get Leonard into the linebackers. In addition, Minor can be effective once he gets into the open field on runs bounced to the outside.
2. Use max-protection for Marc Bulger. With the offensive line decimated by injuries, the Rams must find a way to keep Bulger upright. The Rams should use two-tight end formations and bring in a fullback to add protection. The Rams also need blocking help for their running game. All the Rams' pass plays start with timing routes between Bulger and the receivers. Bulger, since Pace was injured, has been hurried, off-balance and sacked consistently. Bulger needs protection, and it's up to coach Scott Linehan to alter his offensive philosophy to provide just that.
3. Eliminate negative plays. Last week at Tampa Bay, the Rams held the ball in the first half for 18:08 -- and had no points to show for it. The Rams have not capitalized on opportunities because of fumbles and sacks on Bulger on offense and over-running plays and missed tackles on defense. In Week 1 against Carolina and Week 2 against San Francisco, the Rams led at halftime only to self destruct in the third quarter. The Rams must correct the sloppy football.
Cowboys Keys For Success
1. Follow that big offensive line. The Cowboys have two excellent running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber III. The two complement each other and keep each other fresh. The offensive line is built to open big holes behind free-agent addition Leonard Davis at right guard, Marc Columbo at right tackle and Andre Gurode at center. This offensive line will move the pile against the Rams and create lanes for Jones and Barber. This will move the chains and allow Dallas to control the time of possession. The Rams have been unable to stop the run and allowed Tampa to role up 182 yards rushing last week, including two touchdowns by third-string back Earnest Graham.
2. Blitz. The Rams' offensive line is so hampered by injuries that the unit can't execute basic one-on-one blocking plans. Dallas' line stunts and blitzes are sure to confuse the Rams and disrupt the entire offense. Hitting Jackson in the backfield will prevent him from getting on track and force the Rams to abandon the run. Bulger already has been sacked eight times and hurried countless other times, and he now looks jittery and gun shy in the pocket.
3. Shift Terrell Owens around. Having Owens in motion across the backfield will tip off quarterback Tony Romo as to the Rams' coverage plan and will prevent the cornerbacks from jamming Owens at the line. If Owens releases untouched into his route, he will get open for a big gain. If aligned in the slot, Owens will find the cushion in the zone. Whether the main target or a decoy for tight end Jason Witten, Owens will draw a lot of attention.
The Edge
Quarterback: Advantage Dallas
Running backs: Advantage St. Louis
Receivers: Advantage Dallas
Offensive line: Advantage Dallas
Defensive line: Advantage St. Louis
Linebackers: Advantage Dallas
Secondary: Advantage Dallas
Pass rushers: Advantage Dallas
Special teams: Advantage St. Louis
Depth: Advantage Dallas
Coaching: Advantage Dallas
Prediction Rams 17 - Dallas 35
Rams Keys For Success
1. Run even without Steven Jackson. Jackson is a workhorse who can carry the ball 20-25 times and add another half-dozen pass receptions to his load. Without Jackson, the Rams will need to split those duties, with Brian Leonard getting the majority of the carries and Travis Minor being worked into the receiving role. The Rams should to look to run Leonard straight ahead because Dallas nose tackle Jason Ferguson (torn biceps) is out for the season. All 3-4 schemes revolve around a powerful nose tackle who demands double-teams. Jay Ratliff, filling in for Ferguson, is blockable with one man. Rams center Brett Romberg can handle Ratliff and get Leonard into the linebackers. In addition, Minor can be effective once he gets into the open field on runs bounced to the outside.
2. Use max-protection for Marc Bulger. With the offensive line decimated by injuries, the Rams must find a way to keep Bulger upright. The Rams should use two-tight end formations and bring in a fullback to add protection. The Rams also need blocking help for their running game. All the Rams' pass plays start with timing routes between Bulger and the receivers. Bulger, since Pace was injured, has been hurried, off-balance and sacked consistently. Bulger needs protection, and it's up to coach Scott Linehan to alter his offensive philosophy to provide just that.
3. Eliminate negative plays. Last week at Tampa Bay, the Rams held the ball in the first half for 18:08 -- and had no points to show for it. The Rams have not capitalized on opportunities because of fumbles and sacks on Bulger on offense and over-running plays and missed tackles on defense. In Week 1 against Carolina and Week 2 against San Francisco, the Rams led at halftime only to self destruct in the third quarter. The Rams must correct the sloppy football.
Cowboys Keys For Success
1. Follow that big offensive line. The Cowboys have two excellent running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber III. The two complement each other and keep each other fresh. The offensive line is built to open big holes behind free-agent addition Leonard Davis at right guard, Marc Columbo at right tackle and Andre Gurode at center. This offensive line will move the pile against the Rams and create lanes for Jones and Barber. This will move the chains and allow Dallas to control the time of possession. The Rams have been unable to stop the run and allowed Tampa to role up 182 yards rushing last week, including two touchdowns by third-string back Earnest Graham.
2. Blitz. The Rams' offensive line is so hampered by injuries that the unit can't execute basic one-on-one blocking plans. Dallas' line stunts and blitzes are sure to confuse the Rams and disrupt the entire offense. Hitting Jackson in the backfield will prevent him from getting on track and force the Rams to abandon the run. Bulger already has been sacked eight times and hurried countless other times, and he now looks jittery and gun shy in the pocket.
3. Shift Terrell Owens around. Having Owens in motion across the backfield will tip off quarterback Tony Romo as to the Rams' coverage plan and will prevent the cornerbacks from jamming Owens at the line. If Owens releases untouched into his route, he will get open for a big gain. If aligned in the slot, Owens will find the cushion in the zone. Whether the main target or a decoy for tight end Jason Witten, Owens will draw a lot of attention.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:53 PM
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