Bobby Wagner is making his presence felt on Los Angeles Rams’ defense, but can he stop the Dallas Cowboys two-headed monster in Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard?
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner is no stranger to stopping the run. The eight-time Pro Bowler is a tackling machine and will need to play one of his best games of the season in order to contain Dallas Cowboys’ running backs, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
After suffering a 24-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, Los Angeles is trying to avoid falling below .500 as the club enters Week 5.
Meanwhile, the 3-1 Cowboys have put together a nice three-game winning streak with Cooper Rush under center.
No disrespect to Rush, but the Cowboys rushing attack had a lot to do with those victories. Elliott and Pollard combined for 96 yards and a touchdown in their Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Then in Week 3, Dallas ran all over the New York Giants defense, with 178 combined yards and a touchdown.
The Rams will want to take notes from the Washington Commanders. as they were able to hold the Cowboys’ running back duo to 55 yards on 27 carries (in a 25-10 Washington loss).
Wagner gave credit to the Cowboys’ rushing attack when talking to reporters on Wednesday, acknowledging the offense goes as far as Elliott and Pollard will take them
“I think it’s a good balance,” Wagner said. “I think when Zeke comes down full-throttle, always falls forward. I think Pollard does a good job on the edge. They use him in different positions, they do jet sweeps and things of that nature so you have to be conscious of the styles of runs each guy has.
The offense does start with those guys. You get those guys going, then it opens up everything else for the passing game.”
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris echoed Wagner’s comments.
Said Morris: “They are an outstanding tandem. Pollard brings a little more gas on the outside and Zeke brings a load coming downhill. You’re talking about two really good running backs …”
We’ll see if the Rams’ defense can prevail this Sunday at 1:25 p.m. at SoFi Stadium.
Want to see the Champs? Get your L.A. RAMS game tickets from SI Tickets here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!
Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.