The Los Angeles Rams started off the season in victorious fashion against the Dallas Cowboys. In the first game at SoFi Stadium, L.A. was able to hold the Cowboys to just 17 points all night. After shutting out the opposition in the opening quarter, the Cowboys were able to score two touchdowns in the second to go into the half with a lead.
The Rams defense stiffened up in the second half, only allowing three points. The Cowboys connected on a field goal with 1:50 left in the third quarter but weren’t able to score on their final three drives. The Cowboys did drive 56 yards in their opening drive of the fourth, however a stop on fourth-and-3 ended any opportunity to tie the game.
Despite the Rams’ strong start to the season defensively, Brandon Staley isn’t close to satisfied with his unit.
"We're encouraged, but far from satisfied. The second half is more indicative of how we expect to play." — Rams DC Brandon Staley evaluating the defense's effort while holding Dallas to 17 points
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) September 16, 2020
The Rams were able to hold an explosive offense to 30 yards on 13 plays in the final nine minutes. Staley’s unit was able to apply pressure Dak Prescott, which kept him from getting too comfortable in the pocket. Only once in the final two drives were the Cowboys able to have a play of more than 10 yards.
The Rams will go from allowing 17 points to playing another team in the Philadelphia Eagles who scored 17 points in a Week 1 loss. Aaron Donald and the front seven will be looking for a similar outcome. The Eagles had trouble protecting their quarterback, who was sacked eight times.