Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams: 5 X-factors for Divisional Round

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 09: Demarcus Lawrence #90 celebrates the game winning touchdown by Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys in overtime against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

1. Cowboys defense must slow down Todd Gurley

The Dallas Cowboys have gotten this far this season because the defense has stepped up and taken the next step in their progression and building of the unit. The Cowboys need their defense to not only hold the receivers of the Rams in check, but they need to not completely stop Todd Gurley from running over them, but they do need to slow him down a good bit.

Gurley is not only one of the best running backs in all of the NFL, but he’s also one of the top overall players. Asking a defense to completely stop a player like that is asking an awful lot, but to throw a wrench into the game plan of the Rams and make the defense be feared is a whole other story.

The Cowboys were fifth in the NFL in allowing just 94.6 yards per game rushing, which if the Cowboys want to win this game, Gurley will have to rush for less than that amount of yards. The Cowboys even more importantly need to keep Gurley from scoring touchdowns, something he did 17 times on the ground rushing and four touchdowns receiving.

Cowboys vs. Rams: 5 Bold predictions for Divisional Round. dark. Next

It is very simple, but also much easier said than done. The defense of the Cowboys must play at their highest level yet, and if they can do that, it should be enough to gain a close road playoff win against a strong Rams team, but again, that is easier said than done.

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