This week the Dallas Cowboys are heading to the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis to matchup with the Rams. Both teams are 1-1 so far this year, winning in week two to make up for week one losses, and both are looking to establish that they have what it takes for the winning to continue. This week's game can be watched online via live stream below (free with subscription), or on the FOX Television network.
The Cowboys limited their mistakes on offense in week two by committing to the running game. Demarco Murray ran the ball for 167 yards on 29 carries against the TItans, and Tony Romo didn't throw any interceptions, after throwing 3 against the San Francisco 49ers in the loss the week before. Although the Ram's defense may be the best one they have face so far, the Cowboys need to get the running game going again this week if they want to have success. Romo is still suffering with some back pain issues, so he will need the running game to take pressure off of him.
Expectations were low for the Dallas D coming into the season, but so far, things have gone better than expected. Going into week 3, The Cowboys rank 12th in total defense and 10th in points allowed. They have given up just one touchdown in the last six quarters, and seem to be getting stronger. Rolando McClain is finally living up to his potential after being drafted 8th overall in 2010, and he leads the team with 15 tackles. If he can continue to do work on D, then the Cowboys might have a shot going in to St. Louis.
Last week, Austin Davis quarterbacked St. Louis to victory, and the former Southern Mississippi signal-caller completed 22 of 29 passes for 235 yards, and didn't turn the ball over. Wide Receiver Brian Quick was one of Davis' favorite targets, catching 7 balls for 99 yards. The Rams would like to get tight end Jared Cook involved more this week, he has averaged 12.8 yards per catch so far, and the team believes he could be an even bigger contributor.
Laurinaitis's success as a run stopper will help determines who wins on Sunday.
On Defense, the Rams have allowed two 100+ yard games, and they want to stop that trend this week against Dallas. New Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams is hoping the 4-3 defense he has implemented will shut down the Cowboy's ground attack. They will need big play from Linebacker James Laurinaitis and company to cork up the run, and they will need to keep Romo from burning them with short passing plays.
To watch the game online, you can check out NFL Sunday Ticket. If you want to listen on the radio, the Rams can be heard on KJXX 1170 AM, and the Cowboys broadcast on KVLF 1240 AM. The game will be on the FOX Television Network with a 1 pm EST kickoff.
