ST: Cowboys’ linebackers wary of Rams RB Todd Gurley’s versatility, production

jobberone

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Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has already scored six touchdowns this season, including this one against San Francisco. Wally Skalij TNS

Cowboys’ linebackers wary of Rams RB Todd Gurley’s versatility, production
BY DREW DAVISON
ddavison@star-telegram.com SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 10:42 AM

The Dallas Cowboys are moving bodies around at the linebacker position because of injuries as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at noon on Sunday.

Sean Lee is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice every day this week. He is listed as questionable for the game.

“We’ll take his situation day by day,” coach Jason Garrett said.

If Lee isn’t available, the Cowboys will likely go with Justin Durant at weak-side linebacker, Jaylon Smith in the middle and Damien Wilson at the strong-side spot. Fullback Keith Smith would serve as an emergency linebacker.

Cowboys LBs vs. Rams RB Todd Gurley

The Cowboys’ defense faces a stiff test against Todd Gurley, who ranks second in the NFL with 381 scrimmage yards and is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. He has six touchdowns through three games. Linebacker play will be critical for the Cowboys. Jaylon Smith has 30 tackles and a forced fumble.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant vs. Rams CB Trumaine Johnson

Dez Bryant has been limited to two catches twice in the first three games, and has struggled to win his match-ups against elite corners in Janoris Jenkins, Aqib Talib and Patrick Peterson. This week, Bryant is going against Trumaine Johnson, who might not be on the level of those previous cornerbacks, but he’s not too far behind. Johnson already has a pick-six this season.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article176331181.html
 
TheDuke

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Gurley is what worries me most about tomorrow. Especially without Lee. It is critical for us to be able to run the ball, control the ball and clock and leave gurley on the sidelines.
 
Idgit

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da_boyz_mk said:
Gurley is what worries me most about tomorrow. Especially without Lee. It is critical for us to be able to run the ball, control the ball and clock and leave gurley on the sidelines.
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Our run defense is good. I'm more worried about their downfield passing game.
 
TheDuke

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Idgit said:
Our run defense is good. I'm more worried about their downfield passing game.
Click to expand...

I'm hopeful that Marinelli can do what he does best and keep the passing game in front of them and minimize the downfield big plays. Make them get first down after first down. Plus I think we can get after Goff and disrupt him.
 
J_Robinson

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LocimusPrime said:
Like I said he's not a bad back. Until he can prove himself consistent. Having one 1000 yd season, and a couple of 3.2 and 3.8 yds per carry averages, he's not a bad back.

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Sorry dude, but it's obvious that the OL was very incompetent in 2016. How do you ignore that when the stats are what you posted? Not to mention we were the worst offense in the NFL last season. Our first three opponents found out how much of a 'not bad back' he is; you could be next.
 
jblaze2004

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without lee we may be in for a long day. Lee erased a lot of plays with his solo tackles. Jaylon is doing ok but most of his tackles have been assisted tackles which is ok. But Sean Lee is the man on defense. Him and Lawrence are our best players on defense so far. Crazy how light we are at linebacker. If lee is out (which I rather let him rest instead of risking it) we have 4 linebackers and keith smith who will be the emergency linebacker (haven't played linebacker in years) imagine how rusty he would be. Defense would definitely have to be vanilla if he is forced to play.
 
TheDuke

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jblaze2004 said:
without lee we may be in for a long day. Lee erased a lot of plays with his solo tackles. Jaylon is doing ok but most of his tackles have been assisted tackles which is ok. But Sean Lee is the man on defense. Him and Lawrence are our best players on defense so far. Crazy how light we are at linebacker. If lee is out (which I rather let him rest instead of risking it) we have 4 linebackers and keith smith who will be the emergency linebacker (haven't played linebacker in years) imagine how rusty he would be. Defense would definitely have to be vanilla if he is forced to play.
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I agree with you Jblaze I remember in the giants game saying to myself Lee is our best player and it's not even close to being close and without him our D would be bottom 5. With DLaw's start to the season he's right there with him for now. I'm anxious to see who the next guy that's going to step up on this defense and be that type of player. I'd say right now Maliek Collins is the next closest thing. Would love to see Jaylon but he's just not ready to take that step imo. He just needs time.

We definitely need to draft some LB's next year. I have MLB as our 2nd biggest need and that was even before Hitchens went down. I think an upgrade there would do wonders for the defense. Hopefully we have that upgrade in #54. And I believe each week we'll start to see that in him.

In some small way I'm looking forward to seeing Jaylon play without Lee. See how he handles it and if he steps his game up any. I bet he does.
 
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