Getty Images
The 2014 NFL season for Tony Romo hasn’t started off explosively so far due to the early dominance of DeMarco Murray. So far, Romo has thrown for 457 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Meanwhile, Murray has already rushed for 258 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. However, this may change in his Week 3 road matchup against a St. Louis Rams team that has been historically bad when facing Murray.
In two games against the former Oklahoma Sooner, the Rams have given up 428 yards and an average of 8.4 yards per carry to Murray. This includes a Dallas Cowboys franchise record of 253 yards back in 2011 when Murray wasn’t even the starting RB and he only needed 25 carries to break the record. In the other contest, which took place last year, he rushed for 175 yards and one TD in a 31-7 home victory.
Therefore, it appears clear that Murray has St. Louis’ number and they will have to make him their primary focus for their defensive plan. This means that they will need to commit more players to the line of scrimmage in order to prevent Murray from destroying them for a third time. Judging from how the Rams’ defense has performed so far in 2014, as they’re ranked 30th regarding run defense, it doesn’t help their cause that now they get to face the top RB in the league entering Week 3.
Speaking of historical success, the Cowboys have experienced that in recent matchups against the Rams. They have outscored St. Louis 65-14 over the last two matchups and this includes one 17-of-24 performance for 210 yards and three TDs from Romo. Additionally, and this is an example of historical failure, the Rams have gone 1-3 in their past four home games before their bye week. This is the situation that they’re facing today and their current display of offensive mediocrity seems like they may be headed for a 1-4 record under the aforementioned circumstances.
All of the information that I just reviewed means that today is lining up to be one of those explosive Tony Romo games. Since St. Louis will, or should, dedicate their defensive efforts to stopping Murray, it will leave a lot of single coverage for Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams. This can and will lead to several deep-play opportunities for Romo against an exploitable St. Louis secondary. While I expect Romo to take advantage of these situations, I’m still recommending him as a start for today with cautious optimism. If the Rams manage to contain Murray, then a final line of 275-plus passing yards and three touchdowns should be attainable for the former Eastern Illinois Panther.
Roje Smith is a Fantasy Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
