The Dallas Cowboys sloppy play lead to the Los Angeles Rams victory in the opener of the new Los Angeles stadium.
Early Sunday night, the Cowboys struggled against the Rams’ offensive scheme of short passes and runs. Moreover, the Rams dominated the Cowboys in time of possession by eleven minutes, keeping the Cowboys’ high powered offense on the sidelines. After the Rams missed a short field goal, the Cowboys quick passing game led the Cowboys to half time lead of 14-13.
However, the Cowboys only scored three points in the second half, with their last trip to the red zone ending as a 4th-and-3 stop by the Rams. The Rams only needed one second-half touchdown as their defense grew more assertive at the end of the contest. Los Angeles’ defense stopping a Cowboys drive in the games last minute of regulation.
The Cowboys struggled with the run similarly to last season. Indeed, Rams running back Malcolm Brown averaged 4.4 yards a carry, Sunday night. Also similar to last season the Cowboys started slow on offense and defense. Aaron Donald sacked Dak Prescott on the Cowboys first drive. To illustrate, Donald pressured Prescott on 28% of the snaps. Aldon Smith had a good game to start his comeback with one sack of Jared Goff.
The Cowboys lacked motivation from the snap. Mike Mccarthy’s decision to convert the 4th-and-3 was different from the Garrett Era in its aggressiveness.
This Year’s Cowboys Team Is No Mirage
Despite the loss, Dallas’ offense showed flashes of explosiveness. Ezekiel Elliot scored two touchdowns, gaining 127 yards from scrimmage. Dak Prescott had an efficient quarterback rating of 92.5.
The Cowboys will look for some home cooking this week as the Falcons come to town for their home opener. Head Coach Mike Mccarthy expressed a sense of urgency, “Our honeymoon is over. It’s time to win games.”
