The Dallas Cowboys face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in a game between 2-1 teams who sit atop their respective divisions. Like the Arizona Cardinals game, this is another pivotal conference matchup that will have playoff ramifications at season’s end.
While the Dallas Cowboys are expected to be in playoff contention, the Los Angeles Rams, however, seem to be a team that is playing it’s way into contention sooner than expected. With many storylines focusing around the two young backfields, this matchup will be an explosive one.
1
Jared Goff has put his horrendous rookie season behind him and is off to a blistering pace in 2017.
Through three games, Goff leads the league in yards/attempt, is second in yards per completion, and third in passer rating.
Needless to say, Goff is a big fan of Sean McVay.
2
To my surprise, the Dallas Cowboys only hold a two game lead in the all-time series at 17-15.
At second in the NFL, the LA Rams are averaging 6.6 yards per play. That number is better than the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints.
Running Back Todd Gurley sits second in the league in total yards, averaging 127 total yards per game. His six total touchdowns have him tied for first, alongside Kareem Hunt.
3
The amount of sacks allowed by the Rams offensive line. That ranks tied for second in the league. They’ve been good against the teams that they’ve played, but they haven’t faced anyone playing as well as DeMarcus Lawrence yet.
12
The Dallas Cowboys’ current ranking in points allowed with a total of 62. That’s an average of just over 20 points per game. Not bad considering they gave up 45 in week two. Take the Denver Broncos game away and the Cowboys are allowing 10 points per game. That looks a lot better, doesn’t it?
21
The percentage of pass plays for the Los Angeles Rams that have gone for 15 or more yards. So, one out of every five pass attempts goes for a big chunk of yards. That number leads the league. Yes, you read that right. These are not the 2016 LA Rams.
Highest rate of "explosive" (15+ yards) passes through 3 weeks:
1) Rams (21%)
2) Patriots (17%)
3) Vikings (14%)— Connor Allen (@ConnorAllenNFL) September 26, 2017
24
The total number of incompletions Jared Goff has thrown through three games. His completion percentage sits at 70.3 percent.
By comparison, Dak Prescott has thrown 40 incomplete passes through his first three games and his completion percentage is 62.6.
The quality of opponents has been vastly different, however.
26
The ranking for the Los Angeles Rams who are allowing 25 points per game. Most recently they allowed the haphazard San Francisco 49ers to score 39 points in week three.
34.5
34.5 represents the average yards per reception for Brice Butler. All four of his receptions have gone for more than 15 yards. One went for 18 and the other three for more than 30 a piece. The Dallas Cowboys have a deep threat.
36
DeMarcus Lawrence’s current 16-game sack pace. It would absolutely shatter the current single season sack record held by Michael Strahan. After a dominating three-sack performance on Monday night, he’s one of only three players to record multiple sacks in the first three games of the season. The other two are Hall of Famer Kevin Greene and the guy who held the record prior to Michael Strahan; Mark Gastineau.
50
The percentage of Los Angeles Rams drives that end with them scoring either a touchdown or a field goal. That’s good for fourth in the NFL.
67
The number of completions for Dak Prescott heading into week four. That ranks him 11th in the NFL. Surely the Cowboys would prefer him to not have to throw as much as he did in the first two games.
88.9
Dak Prescott’s passer rating, which now has him up to 18th in the NFL after a superb week three rating of 141.7.
107
The total points scored for the Los Angeles Rams under new Head Coach, Sean McVay. That number leads the league. That puts them at 35.67 points per game. They’ve scored 40 points twice. Their offense is trending up. Dallas will have a test this week.
139
The amount of rushing yards allowed per game by the LA Rams defense. They are working through a transition from a 4-3 defense to Wade Phillips’ 3-4, but they don’t have the quality of players the Cowboys have faced in the first three weeks. #FeedZeke
158.3
Jared Goff’s passer rating when targeting wide receiver, Sammy Watkins. The talent has always been there for Watkins, but injuries have kept him from being able to put together consistent seasons. Goff has an elite talent to throw to and they’ve formed an instant connection.
Great nugget from @NFLResearch:
Jared Goff has a perfect passer rating (158.3) when targeting Sammy Watkins.
13/14, 194 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT
— Alex Gelhar (@AlexGelhar) September 27, 2017
More Notes for Cowboys vs Rams:
- The Dallas Cowboys have won three in a row over the Los Angeles Rams, and four of the last five matchups.
- In three straight wins, the Cowboys have outscored the Rams by 54 points.
- The most recent victory, in 2014, was by just three points.
✭ ✭ ✭
Let’s go out and score another victory in the NFC. Every win is huge, but those matter just a little bit more.
