Here’s an instant analysis of the Cowboys 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium:
WHAT IT MEANS
The Cowboys’ offense, among the best in the NFL last season, continues to be consistently inconsistent.
The passing game is unreliable right now.
Sometimes, the quarterback throws it one place and the receivers run another. Other times, the quarterback misses open receivers. Then there are the times the receivers drop the ball.
Cole Beasley has been a non-factor and the Cowboys aren’t getting enough big plays out of their passing game, which means teams can focus on stopping Ezekiel Elliot.
There’s a huge difference between 3-1 and 2-2 in the NFL. Now, the Cowboys must beat a quality Green Bay team to avoid dipping under .500 for the first time this season.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
TURNING POINT
The Cowboys were in complete control and led 17-6 with 8:40 left in the second quarter. They had just forced a Los Angeles punt and another touchdown drive would’ve probably made the Rams one-dimensional as they tried to rally from a 24-6 deficit. Instead, rookie Ryan Switzer fumbled a punt and Los Angeles recovered at the Dallas 18. Five plays later they were back within four points.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
The Cowboys couldn’t figure out a way to stop Todd Gurley in the second half, and that’s what ultimately doomed Dallas.
It’s the second time in three weeks Dallas has allowed a 100-yard rusher after not allowing one all of last season.
Gurley had 121 yards rushing and 94 yards receiving - 215 total - and a touchdown.
KEY STAT
The Cowboys have not had a turnover in nine quarters after not forcing one against the Rams. Anthony Brown dropped an interception with a mistimed jump and they couldn’t force a fumble after a strip sack by DeMarcus Lawrence early in the third quarter.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Cowboys face the Green Bay Packers, who will have had 10 days off to prepare after beating Chicago last Thursday. The Packers eliminated the Cowboys in the playoffs last year, in part, because the Cowboys couldn’t figure out how to consistently pressure quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are banged up, but Rodgers is one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL and if the Cowboys can’t sack and harass him all game, it’s going to be a difficult game for Dallas to win.
