A Closer Look: The Dallas Cowboys Win Came Down to Only a Few Plays
The Dallas Cowboys latest win over the LA Rams was a combination of quality from all aspects of the game. Offense, defense and special teams. Another dominant performance from the defense lead the way in what is now a 4-game win streak. The 22-10 win is actually closer than it appears on the scoreboard. With […]
The Dallas Cowboys latest win over the LA Rams was a combination of quality from all aspects of the game. Offense, defense and special teams.
Another dominant performance from the defense lead the way in what is now a 4-game win streak.
The 22-10 win is actually closer than it appears on the scoreboard. With LA leading in time of possession, but three turnovers and five sacks was more than enough to stifle the Super Bowl-winning offense.
Even the offensive output is eye-opening. The had almost twice as many rushing yards as passing yards from a down performance from QB Cooper Rush. Even then it wasn't enough.
However the game is looked at, the actual result of the game really came down to a select number of plays. A select number of plays that factored more into the game then the overall entirety.
Dorance Strong-Arms Twice in the First Quarter
The Dallas Cowboys defense strikes hard and strikes early. In the first quarter, the first points came by way of edge rusher Dorance Armstrong. Forcing a strip sack on QB Matthew Stafford to be recovered by DeMarcus Lawrence for a touchdown.
The first points of the game.
The edge rusher would follow it up with a blocked punt, his second in under one calender year, and third blocked kick overall in the same timeframe.
Making Armstrong arguably the Cowboys best two-way (special teams and defense) on the team.
Trevon Diggs Gets Burned Twice
As it correlates to Armstrong, Diggs made an impression twice. In his case however, it's a positive effect going the other way. Otherwise, the Rams might not have even put one point on the board.
In the second half, Diggs had a much better performance. Aiding in run defense as well.
On the season, Diggs is having a fantastic season. In the first half of this game, he gave up what would be the only key offensive plays the Rams could muster.
Without them, the Rams only manage 194 total yards of offense.
Tony! Toni! Toné!
For the game, the Dallas Cowboys running back duo of Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott combined for 164 rushing yards. Headlined by Pollard's 57-yard touchdown run.
Aside from this run, Elliott had more yards per carry on the game. However, this touchdown put the game out of reach for the Rams early.
Bad Punt
Bryan Anger is an All-Pro. Lately though, he is having some questionable kicks. Kicks that have ultimately gone unnoticed due to the Dallas Cowboys dominance during their win-streak.
However, pinned deep into his own endzone, the Rams were set to get points with 30 seconds to go in the third quarter.
The defense only allowed six yards on the drive, plus a 10-yard holding penalty from WR Ben Skowronek set up K Matt Gay for a 51-yard field goal. A field goal he would miss. Keeping it a two-score game, and never got closer than that moment.
Agent OO97
Following a 36-yard field goal from Brett Maher, the Cowboys lead was 22-10 with 5:32 to go in the game.
With the Rams still in the game, Stafford completed back-back-to-back long passes to drive the ball down the field. Darrell Henderson for 15 yards and Cooper Kupp for 19 yards. Including a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty from Dante Fowler.
Second down at the Cowboys 25, DT Osa Odighizuwa brings down Stafford for a four-yard sack. Following that up with a serious QB hit on Stafford, landing the ball in Malik Hookers hands.
Micah Groinding it Out
Micah Parsons was all over the defense. Finishing with two sacks and six QB pressures.
Even with having to play rotational snaps due to a groin injury. Essentially only allowing him to rush the passer in the third and fourth quarters.
Even though the Rams would get the ball back one more time, this was the closest they got to scoring a touchdown all second half. With not enough clock left to drum up two scores. Before eventually letting Parsons strip sack end the game.
Featuring the aforementioned Odighizuwa.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
