He explains how the Rams (2-2) and Dallas Cowboys (3-1) face off ahead of Sunday’s 1:25 pm PDT game at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium. The game will be shown on Fox (chapter 11) and streamed on NFL + and on the Fox Sports app.
When Rams has the ball: Quarterback Matthew Stafford must bounce back after committing two turnovers in the 24-9 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Stafford went through four touchdowns, with six worst interceptions in the league. He hasn’t gone through a touchdown in his last two games, something Stafford hasn’t experienced since 2016. The Rams ‘besieged offensive line gets a pass from left guard David Edwards’ return, who was sidelined against the 49ers due to a commotion cerebral. But the line, which has given up seven sacks against the 49ers, is still short on staff with third-string Jeremiah Kolone starting in the middle. Rams manager Sean McVay must find a way to establish a quick attack and involve wide receiver Allen Robinson. While receiver Cooper Kupp and tight end Tyler Higbee are off to a great start, Robinson has only 18 targets and nine catches, one for a touchdown. Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn lines up All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons by the most points and Parsons has four of the Cowboys’ 15 sacks. Fine DeMarcus Lawrence has three sacks, safety Donovan Wilson is the main tackler and has also intercepted a pass. Cornerback Trevon Diggs has two interceptions.
When the Cowboys have the ball: Star quarterback Dak Prescott remains sidelined with a thumb injury sustained in the season opener, but Cooper Rush was a worthy replacement. Rush went through four touchdowns, without an interception. CeeDee Lamb had 23 of the team’s best catches, two for touchdowns, and Rush also used catcher Noah Brown and tight end Dalton Schultz. Last week, receiver Michael Gallup played for the first time this season and received a touchdown pass. Running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard form a powerful combination. Left tackle Jason Peters is in doubt due to a chest injury. Until they played against the 49ers, the Rams hadn’t given up on many great plays. They have surrendered several against the 49ers and have missed more tackles. The Rams also need to improve their passing run. They only have seven bags. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has lined up Aaron Donald a few times as a standing rusher against the 49ers and could do it again perhaps to trigger a defense that didn’t force a turnover in two games. In his two starts, cornerback rookie Derion Kendrick brought an aggressive stance into a secondary that will once again be without injured safety Jordan Fuller.
When they kick: Rams kicker Matt Gay was a safety valve for an attack as he struggled to score touchdowns from inside the 20-yd line. Gay made all seven of his field goal attempts. Cowboys kicker Brett Maher has made 10 of 11 field goal attempts. Don’t sleep on Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel, a former assistant to Rams, and his willingness to perform tricks.
Gary Klein’s prediction: The Rams have not shown against elite defenses that they can protect Stafford or score touchdowns. And it won’t be easy against the Cowboys in a stadium that could be teeming with followers.
COWBOY 20, RAMS 17
