Key Matchups: St. Louis Rams Vs. Dallas Cowboys

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) talks with wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After a gutsy win last Sunday in Tampa Bay, the St. Louis Rams are heading home this week to take on the Dallas Cowboys, fresh off a victory of their own. Both teams are sitting firmly with a 1-1 record this season, despite their rosters being rocked early (and often) with injuries this season. For the Rams, this will be an opportunity to head into their Week 4 Bye with a winning record and some positive momentum. For the Cowboys, it is one of their few chances to take advantage of a weakened NFC roster, as they attempt to sneak into the playoffs in a winnable NFC East division.

While the game will ultimately come down to a battle between whole offensive, defensive, and special teams units, there are certainly some individual matchups  that could have a tangible effect on the game. Here are our three key matchups heading into Sunday.

Ronald Leary and Zack Martin vs. Aaron Donald

While most will focus on the battle between 2011 draftmates, Tyron Smith and Robert Quinn, the more concerning assignment, at least for Dallas, should be containing Aaron Donald. So far, both Cowboys guards have struggled to hold their own, particularly in run blocking; an area where the duo have graded out -3.2 and -1.7, respectively, according to Pro Football Focus. Aaron Donald, on the other hand, has made a nasty (in a good way) habit of blowing up running backs in the backfield, leading to his 3rd overall ranking versus the run among interior defensive linemen. With so many other players to worry about on the Rams defensive line, Aaron Donald will likely face plenty of one-on-one matchups. That might be asking too much of this highly-inexperienced Dallas interior offensive line.

Janoris Jenkins vs. Dez Bryant

Last week, Jenkins played 88% of his coverage snaps on the outside, facing off against either Mike Evans or Vincent Jackson. In that time, he allowed only three catches on six targets for 18 total yards,  allowing only one yard after the catch and no touchdowns in coverage. This week, Jenkins will have the similarly-large task of matching up against Dez Bryant, who is as physical of a receiver as their is in the NFL, but has been ailing at practice this week. If Bryant can be “locked down,” in any sense of the word, Tony Romo should struggle passing the football with limited alternative offensive weapons. That is a big “if”…

Austin Davis vs. Austin Davis

Since the midpoint of the week, the Rams coaches have been hinting that Shaun Hill will likely not get the start for the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. As a result, Austin Davis will get his second shot at glory, after taking home the win in his first NFL start last week. Davis played admirably versus a decimated Tampa Bay defense, including completing 75.9% of his attempts and recording the second-highest Pro Football Focus QB Rating for the week (trailing on Peyton Manning). Luckily for Davis, the Cowboys are equally banged up defensively, missing their top two pass rushers, their top two defensive signal callers, and employing a secondary group that might take the crown for “least productive unit with the most talent.” The hopeful Kurt Warner 2.0 should have plenty of time in the backfield, meaning that his biggest opponent might be himself on Sunday. If Davis can keep his emotions in check and his eyes down the field, he could lead the Rams to 2-1 heading into their Bye. If he gets overwhelmed and focuses on rushers, as opposed to his receivers, it could be a long, long day for the St. Louis offense.