In anticipation of the official schedule release date in mid-April, theRams.com will be taking an early look at each of the club's opponents for next season.
Dallas Cowboys
The Rams and Cowboys will square off in Dallas in 2019, after meeting in the Divisional round back in January at the L.A. Coliseum.
Here's an early look at the Cowboys:
2018
The Cowboys went 10-6 and won the NFC East behind quarterback Dak Prescott, the league's leading rusher in running back Ezekiel Elliott, and the league's No. 6 defense in points allowed — earning a spot in the postseason for the third time in five seasons.
After squeaking past the Seahawks in the Wild Card round in Dallas, the Cowboys fell short of the NFC title game losing against the Rams, marking head coach Jason Garrett's Cowboys' third-consecutive loss in the Divisional round.
Matchup History
The Rams knotted up their all-time record against the Cowboys at 17-17 in the Divisional round win — the ninth playoff matchup between the two teams. The Rams can make it three wins in a row against Prescott and company in 2019, as they also came out with a win in Dallas in year one under head coach Sean McVay back in 2017.
Running back Todd Gurley has had success against in two-career outings against the Cowboys. In the 2017 meeting, Gurley posted 215 total yards on 23 carries and seven receptions along with a touchdown. In the most-recent matchup Gurley returned from injury to take 16 carries for 115 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
On offense, the Cowboys inked deals with tight end Codey McElroy and wide receiver Randall Cobb, as wide receiver Cole Beasley and tight end Geoff Swaim agreed to deals in Buffalo and Jacksonville, respectively.
Notable shifts on the defensive side of the ball include the departure of linebacker Damien Wilson, who appeared in 10 games in 2018, along with acquisition of defensive end Robert Quinn in a trade with the Dolphins, the addition of fellow offensive linemen Christian Covington and Kerry Hyder Jr., as well as veteran safety George Iloka.
At pass rusher, the Cowboys recently traded for former Ram Robert Quinn, and signed DeMarcus Lawrence to a five-year contract.
Head Coach
The Cowboys are headed for year 10 under Garrett, who has led his unit to the postseason three times since taking over head coaching duties Week 10 of the 2010 season.
Garrett holds a winning record of 77-59 leading the Cowboys and is 2-3 in the postseason. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2016.
What to Watch For
Elliott vs. Gurley
The Cowboys rolled out one of the league's top run defenses in 2018, allowing just 94 yards per game on the ground in the regular season, but the NFL's No. 5 run stoppers failed to slow down Gurley and running back C.J. Anderson in the Divisional round, as the duo combined for 238 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
Elliott will be out be out to prove his 47-yard showing in the win-or-go-home game against the Rams was just a dull flash in the pan following his league-leading campaign in 2018.
