Cowboys vs. Rams: What Are Experts Saying About Dallas?
The Dallas Cowboys bounced back significantly in Week 2 with a dominant victory over the Tennessee Titans. DeMarco Murray carried the way with 29 rushes for 167 yards and a touchdown.
Dallas will try to continue its winning ways this week as it travels to St. Louis to take on the Rams. St. Louis enters with a .500 record as well after coming off an exciting win against Tampa Bay.
The Cowboys defense will have to contend with surprise quarterback Austin Davis this week. The undrafted 25-year-old has emerged as the Rams starter due to a number of injuries.
Let’s take a look at what the experts are talking about leading up to Sunday’s big matchup.
Todd Archer: Romo Has Not Looked the Same
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ESPN.com's Todd Archer said:
"Romo has not looked the same, despite what he, Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett say. I think he's working his way back into game speed after being limited so much in the offseason and in four preseason games because of back surgery last December. He has not had the same zip on passes. He has not moved around as well as he has in the past. It's all intermittent right now. The back can be a tricky thing and it takes some time to heal.
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One of the biggest concerns surrounding the team has to be the health of quarterback Tony Romo. As Archer discussed, he hasn’t looked like himself two weeks into the season.
Many are hoping that Romo’s back can get better over time. So far it hasn’t looked great, and his performance on the field is suffering. If the team plans to go anywhere this year, it will need Romo to be 100 percent.
Thankfully for the offense, Murray has looked unstoppable thus far despite a few fumbles. The running back has a history of torching the Rams, and this week should be no different. Scott Linehan should lean on Murray once again until Romo is really ready.
Tim MacMahon: Receiver Dez Bryant Has Minimal Concern About Right Shoulder
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ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon said, "Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has minimal concern about the sore right shoulder that caused him to be a limited participant in Thursday’s practice."
Bryant hurt his shoulder in the first quarter last week after landing on it awkwardly. He's one of the few players the Cowboys absolutely need on the field in order to win. The receiver hauled in 10 catches for 103 yards and a score against Tennessee.
According to MacMahon, Bryant said, "It’s a little bit sore, but nothing that’s going to keep me out. I’m going to be ready to roll on Sunday."
Bryant has already proven he's one of the toughest players in the league. He's played through a number of injuries already in his career so this shouldn't hold him back one bit.
Brandon George: Jones Says Rolando McClain Not to Play Sunday
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Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News reported that Dallas will most likely be without middle linebacker Rolando McClain on Sunday. George tweeted how owner Jerry Jones said the former Crimson Tide is doubtful against St. Louis.
This comes as a big blow because of how well McClain has played so far in 2014. He's done a fantastic job filling in for Sean Lee and has easily been one of the best defenders on the field. In Week 2, he had an incredible interception that would've also went for a touchdown if the refs hadn't made a mistake.
Although it's still possible McClain could suit up Sunday, MacMahon's report that the team has added linebacker Keith Smith to the active roster from the practice squad is bad news for the starter.
The Cowboys defense has been surprisingly good due in large part to McClain. He'll be missed if he can't go.
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Jon Machota: Murray Has a Violent Nature on the Field
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Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News discussed running back DeMarco Murray's running style. He said, "Murray has a violent nature on the field. He seems to enjoy contact. But Murray understands that being such an important part of the team’s offensive game plan means he has to pick his spots."
Murray has been a great running back for the Cowboys since they drafted him. The one knock on him has always been his durability. This year more than ever Dallas needs Murray to stay on the field.
What's tough about this situation is that Murray loves to be physical and deliver hits himself. It clearly makes him more susceptible to injury, but at the same time adds a dimension to his skill set.
According to Machota, Murray said, “I just try to run hard and be physical and be smart. I just try to get as much as I can. Yards are hard to get in this league, especially running the ball. You just got to run hard and play hard.”
Nick Wagoner: Cowboys Run Past Rams
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ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner said, "Whether it's Hill or Davis, the Rams should score enough points to keep it close, but they won't be able to slow Murray and the Cowboys enough to get the win."
Winning in the NFL is a difficult task. It's especially hard when your franchise quarterback is forced to miss the entire year. The Rams will have a tough time winning often in 2014, however, they still have enough talent to be competitive every week.
The Cowboys should win this game on talent alone, but how many times has that theory failed? If they take care of the ball and allow Murray to keep rolling, they should earn their second consecutive road victory.
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