Cowboys-Rams: Dallas Is in Dismay As Rams Roll the 'Boys, 34-14

Four weeks ago, if I told you that the Rams would beat the Redskins at FedEx Field and dismantle the Dallas Cowboys, you would say that I was crazy. But look at what has unfolded.

The Rams are looking like a completely different team. They are blocking well, not over-pursuing, and not giving up the big play like they did before they fired Scott Linehan. This win over Dallas has given them and new coach Jim Haslett new life.

St. Louis dominated in all facets of the game this afternoon and dissected the Cowboys, piece by piece. Running back Steven Jackson tore apart Dallas today and ran for 160 yards and three touchdown to lead the Rams' offense.

Quarterback Marc Bulger had his best game of the season, as he showed great poise in the pocket and stood up to the Dallas pass rush, completing 14 of 19 passes for 173 yards including a 42-yard scoring strike to Donnie Avery in the first quarter.

Bulger's receivers stepped up in a big way today, as the aforementioned Donnie Avery caught five passes for 65 yards. Torry Holt made only three catches for 51 yards today but all of his catches converted third downs into first downs.

On defense, the Rams completely shut down the Dallas offense, only allowing 14 points. Dallas took the opening kickoff and proceeded to march down field for the games opening score, as Marion Barber leaped over the goal line.

However, that was the only bright spot of the day for Dallas. The defensive line of the Rams kept Brad Johnson uncomfortable as they pressured him into three interceptions, two of them being to safety O.J. Atogwe. 

Brad Johnson was sacked three times by the Rams' defense, which has taken a 360-degree turn since the firing of Scott Linehan. Over the past two weeks, St. Louis' defense has forced seven turnovers and registered seven quarterback sacks.

Cornerback Ronald Bartell was in for a wild ride today, as he split time covering Roy Williams and Terrell Owens. Bartell proceeded to shut down both Williams and Owens, holding them to a combined two receptions. Bartell's work over this season has gone pretty much unnoticed due to the amount of points the defense has allowed. Bartell has been very good in man coverage and is having a very impressive season. 

Jim Haslett re-signed Fakhir Brown this week, two weeks after Scott Linehan game him his release. Brown was very good today covering Patrick Crayton, holding him to a meager three receptions for 30 yards.

Besides the opening drive, the Dallas offense was sloppy and ineffective today. Brad Johnson was never allowed to get into a rhythm and turned the ball over three times. Marion Barber, who had a good day, made a big mistake in the first quarter when defensive end Leonard Little forced a fumble in Dallas territory, which was recovered by Cory Chavous. Barber failed to secure the ball while trying to pick up more yards. The turnover led to Steven Jackson's second rushing touchdown.

Dallas' only other bright spot was the play of DeMarcus Ware. Ware had a huge day, registering seven total tackles and registered three sacks on Bulger. That gives Ware a sack in 10 consecutive games, tying the NFL record, he will attempt to break the record next week against Tampa Bay.

The Rams head into Gillette Stadium next week to face the Patriots, and at 2-4, they are one of the NFC's hottest teams. If I were any team in the NFL, I wouldn't want to face the Rams the way they're playing right now; they are clicking on all cylinders right now.

Dallas falls to 4-3 on the season after today's frustrating loss and hosts the stingy Tampa Bay Bucs defense next Sunday in Texas Stadium. People may want to use Dallas' injuries as an excuse for today's loss, but in reality, there is no excuse.

Dallas was outplayed and out coached today—that's it. This a key time for the Cowboys, and if they can't overcome this obstacle, they will be in deep trouble going into the bye week.