Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams: 3 Critical matchups in Divisional Round

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald lines up in a 2016 exhibition game against the Cowboys. The Rams should've expected the Donald holdout this year to extend into the regular season. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald lines up in a 2016 exhibition game against the Cowboys. The Rams should've expected the Donald holdout this year to extend into the regular season. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 11: Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 11: Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Aaron Donald vs. Zack Martin

Two All-Pros take the field this weekend — and they may both be the best at their respective positions. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was the Defensive Player of the Year a season ago and is favored to win the job again this year. Martin was the player the Cowboys took instead of Johnny Manziel and he’s made them look brilliant for doing so.

More from Dallas Cowboys

Martin has been a beast at right guard for Dallas and is the anchor of an offensive line that has an enormous amount of talent. He faces a monstrous task this weekend in blocking Donald, who made many other guards look bad en route to a career-high 20.5 sacks this season.

If we are being honest, there’s no stopping Donald. He’s the best in the game and he’s going to make his plays. He will make Dak Prescott uncomfortable in the pocket and he will also stuff Ezekiel Elliott for a loss at least once. What Martin has to do is limit the number of times we hear his name.

If he can do that, the Cowboys offense stands a chance. If he can’t, this can be a long night as Donald has the ability to completely take over. This matchup will be a lot of fun to watch.