NFL Playoffs 2019: One X-factor for each team in Conference Championships

By Randy Gurzi | Jan 19, 2019

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 27: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams is sacked by Dannell Ellerbe #59 of the New Orleans Saints and Cameron Jordan #94 during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 27, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan, Defensive End

Last week there were plenty who believed the Dallas Cowboys could hold their own against the Los Angeles Rams. This belief centered around f Dallas’ ability to shut down the run as well as their pass rushers who made life hard on quarterbacks. Neither came to fruition as the Rams had their way on the ground and through the air.

Not only did L.A. finish with 273 yards on the ground, but Jared Goff wasn’t sacked once. Without feeling the pressure, the third-year quarterback was able to sit in the pocket comfortably and find the open man with ease. He may have had just 186 yards, but it was the way he connected on third-downs that kept the Rams offense moving along.

For the New Orleans Saints, this cannot happen. They’re going to have to do a much better job getting after Goff if they want to win. That’s why Cameron Jordan is such an important player for them in this NFC Championship Game. Jordan is coming off his second season in a row with double digit sacks as he had 12 for New Orleans in 2018 — after recording 13 the season prior.

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Jordan didn’t record any last week against Philadelphia and will hope to get on the board in this area against the Rams. However, sacks aren’t the only thing the Saints need from Jordan. He will also have to hold his own against the Rams ground game, which gashed Dallas all game long. With big defensive Sheldon Rankins out, their defensive leader will really be asked to step up here.

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