3 ways for LA Rams to stuff Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott

Aaron Donald over the center

The LA Rams have one of the most dominating defensive linemen of all-time with All-Pro Aaron Donald. But how the Rams make use of all that defensive talent will change in 2020. One of the goals of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in his Staley-style defense is to feature his best defensive talents.

Part of that strategy is to place players where the offense least expects them Other ways to do so are to place your best players against their worst.  Right now, there are plenty of questions as to just how well Dallas Cowboys center Joe Looney will perform this year. In his last outing, when now-retired center Travis Frederick missed 2018, the Cowboys offense was not nearly as effective as last season. While Elliott had a good year, he only accounted for six touchdowns, just half of his 2019 total.

Dak declines without Frederick

Prescott threw for 4900 yards in 2019. But without Frederick in 2018, he only threw for 3,800 yards. The center to quarterback exchange is considered automatic, but in reality, it takes a lot of time to get there. Prescott fumbled the ball 12 times in 2018. That is more often than in 2017 and 2019 combined. The reason? Joe Looney was the center.

Placing Aaron Donald over-center will give Looney a lot to think about on each play. While he will likely snap the ball effectively most of the time, facing Donald will disrupt his concentration. And with Donald strong-arming the center, the Cowboys will be forced to send Elliott to the perimeter to gain yards, where the Rams can meet him with their strong run-stopping defensive ends.