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00:00:00It's the NFL on EA Sports, and the question is, are you ready for some football?
00:00:10It's the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys, and it's coming up next on Madden Football.
00:00:20It's a stadium so big, you can easily spot it flying into Dallas-Fort Worth for a game.
00:00:26This is AT&T Stadium here in Arlington.
00:00:30Joined by a former NFL quarterback up in the booth, Mr. Brock Hewitt.
00:00:34I'm Kate Scott.
00:00:35And Brock, welcome back to the collection, because I know you have quite the big arm in your days with the Huskies and the Seahawks in Seattle.
00:00:43Well, we've got a couple of quarterbacks here who also know how to push that football down the field.
00:00:48Yeah, you've got a couple of QBs who are going to keep these defenses honest today,
00:00:52because the moment they get greedy and coverage or get too aggressive in the pocket,
00:00:55either of these quarterbacks can drop a dime, drop a deep throw right over them for big yardage,
00:01:00and maybe six points, too.
00:01:01The ball is teed up, Joshua Carty, to do the honors.
00:01:15And off we go from Dallas.
00:01:18On the return, here's Rico Dowdle.
00:01:21In pretty solid field position starting out here, Brock.
00:01:23He's tackled at the 29.
00:01:26And here come the Cowboys for their opening drive.
00:01:29Bringing them out is a Mississippi State fourth-round pick in 2016,
00:01:33who's found considerable success in this league, Dak Prescott.
00:01:37I don't think I'm alone in this, Kate.
00:01:39To me, Dak is one of the easiest players to root for their success in the NFL.
00:01:44I think for me and for many others, it's based on all he's overcome,
00:01:48from tough playoff losses to significant injuries.
00:01:51But his leadership, his stats, his ability to play like an MVP in big moments,
00:01:56at his best, he really is all you could ever ask for.
00:02:01Opening play, and Dak's going to throw.
00:02:03Oh!
00:02:03Oh!
00:02:03Oh!
00:02:04Oh!
00:02:04Oh!
00:02:05Oh!
00:02:05Oh!
00:02:05Oh!
00:02:06Oh!
00:02:06Oh!
00:02:07And his first offering of the game winds up incomplete.
00:02:11This one intended for the running back.
00:02:14So that brings up second down.
00:02:16Those passes get more and more difficult as you try to get aggressive downfield.
00:02:21I love the call.
00:02:21I love pushing the ball down the field.
00:02:23But the windows and the throwing lanes aren't there long.
00:02:26And it only takes a little bit for a throw to be off.
00:02:31Now the first carry for Ezekiel Elliott.
00:02:34He's only going to manage to get back to the line.
00:02:36Tampa made by Ernest Jones.
00:02:38Tampa made by Ernest Jones.
00:02:39No gain on the play.
00:02:41And they still need 10 now on third down.
00:02:43These linebackers of today, they are so quick.
00:02:47They're so twitchy.
00:02:48You don't get a body on them in a hurry, they're going to stick you right at the line of scrimmage.
00:02:51Prescott now on third down.
00:02:57And they finally bring him down, but that is a big gain and a new set of downs.
00:03:08It's a gain of 21 yards to pick up that first down.
00:03:12You know what I like about that, Kate?
00:03:13I like that they're not coming out slow.
00:03:15They're willing to go with some looks here that will yield big yardage down the field instead of just settling for dinking and dunking the ball.
00:03:21First and 10 from a yard shy of midfield.
00:03:31This is Elliott running right.
00:03:34And he goes out a little short of the 40.
00:03:38Just a little short, but still a nine-yard pick up.
00:03:41That's going to bring up second and one.
00:03:42That's a run that you'll take the result in the NFL every time.
00:03:46A nice play, a solid gain, but it's also a run that you know.
00:03:50And you may come back to.
00:03:51Because if you were that close to breaking off an explosive one, you'd really break the backs of a defense.
00:03:59On second down, a run with Elliott.
00:04:01And they make the stop.
00:04:03We're going to say about the 37-yard line.
00:04:06A pick up of two, maybe three.
00:04:08But most importantly, Brock, that's enough to move the sticks.
00:04:10You know what I like about a second and short run play, Kate?
00:04:14Yeah, I like getting a first down.
00:04:15But you know what I like even more?
00:04:17That's going to set up a play-action pass in a similar down in distance.
00:04:21And that defense is going to have to key on the run.
00:04:26First down, and they go right back to it.
00:04:29And he won't salvage that.
00:04:31It's a loss on the play.
00:04:33Well, he was supposed to be the one who chipped away a few
00:04:36and got a new set of downs started right in rhythm.
00:04:38Instead, he's now forced to pick himself from behind the line
00:04:42thanks to a great effort defensively.
00:04:46Everyone's prepped.
00:04:46It's second down now.
00:04:53Working from the pistol, Prescott.
00:04:56Escapes the pocket.
00:04:58Now he takes it.
00:05:00He slides down with enough to pick up that first.
00:05:04They'll get 18 yards there.
00:05:07And it'll be first down, Dallas.
00:05:10You know, Kate, back in the day, we had a slip and slide to practice
00:05:13for moments just like that.
00:05:14Actually practicing how to slide and get out of harm's way.
00:05:18Nice gain on the play.
00:05:19And denied that defense.
00:05:20He had another chance to take a shot on him.
00:05:22He brings the offense up now for a first and ten.
00:05:34First down.
00:05:35Here's Dak.
00:05:38Pro secured by Brandon Cooks.
00:05:40And he's going to be stopped at the 17-yard line.
00:05:43Every once in a while, it's fine to be conservative on first down,
00:05:47especially when you get enough to stay on schedule
00:05:50and get a little something coming out of it, too.
00:05:54Halfway to the marker.
00:05:55It's second and five.
00:06:02Dak now from the gun.
00:06:05They're going to get there, and they drop him.
00:06:08And that pushes him back.
00:06:09Third down coming up.
00:06:11All right, first sack on the board on the first drive as a defense.
00:06:15And now, well, now we let the chess match begin.
00:06:18The adjustments begin because we know pressure leads to sacks.
00:06:22And sacks in this league often leads to wins.
00:06:29This offense looking to converge as they come up on third down.
00:06:36From the gun is Prescott.
00:06:39He's on the move.
00:06:41He'll make a bid for it on the ground.
00:06:45That's a pickup of 17 yards, partner, and it makes it first and goal.
00:06:49You know, these are the type of plays that really get an offense going.
00:06:52This is a chance for QB to inspire the guys around to call in his own number,
00:06:57carrying his teammates to a first down on that big run.
00:06:59That inflates an offense, and it can suck the wind out of that defense.
00:07:03From the red zone now.
00:07:06And now, has it in close.
00:07:10Touchdown, Dallas.
00:07:15What an outstanding opening series, partner.
00:07:18They just wore down that defense as they marched their way to the end zone.
00:07:22Yeah, it took a whole bunch of that opening script to find a touchdown,
00:07:24but it showed just how well designed that script was.
00:07:27It was the right sequence of plays to keep that ball moving and find the end zone,
00:07:31getting your offense established.
00:07:32Established in its top gear right here early on.
00:07:39Extra point for Marbury is up and good.
00:07:42And the Cowboys will jump out to a 7-0 lead.
00:07:45Aubrey now to kick this one away.
00:08:15Ronnie Rivers now on the return.
00:08:20And a decent return ends as they bring him down inside the 30.
00:08:25So here come the Rams on offense, ready for their opening drive.
00:08:29And leading the match, one of the game's all-time leading passers.
00:08:33The top pick back in 2009.
00:08:36Still going strong.
00:08:37It's Matthew Stafford.
00:08:39Stafford just continues to fight off injuries,
00:08:41and he continues to battle father time.
00:08:44And it is remarkable.
00:08:46There's a lot of quarterbacks as we see him age.
00:08:48We see the arm fall apart.
00:08:49We see the wear and the tear and the velocity disappear.
00:08:53You're just not seeing that with Stafford.
00:08:55You question how long the journey may continue,
00:08:58but you cannot question how productive he is when he's on that field.
00:09:02That's a reception for Tyler Higbee.
00:09:06And that's good yardage there with a new set of downs to Boone.
00:09:10I love throwing on first down.
00:09:12And when you see a first down pass just like that,
00:09:15it's taking advantage of a matchup you plan for,
00:09:18and you go out and execute.
00:09:21First down now.
00:09:22First down ball at the 39-yard line.
00:09:29The first carry now for Kyron Williams.
00:09:34And he'll push this upfield and earn them a new set of downs.
00:09:39Some backs are easier to tackle than others.
00:09:41Some, well, they just choose violence.
00:09:43They look for those opportunities to bust through tackles
00:09:46and keep those legs pumping.
00:09:50Football on that 47-yard line.
00:09:52First down.
00:09:58Another run for Williams.
00:10:01And he's able to get this down to the 36.
00:10:04They come through with a nice game there.
00:10:06Gain of 10.
00:10:07First down.
00:10:08Offensive coordinators tell us all the time
00:10:10big runs only happen with coordinated efforts.
00:10:13A great block in the spring of guys hitting blocks downfield
00:10:16and a back who can show off his wheels.
00:10:20First down.
00:10:21Ball at the 36.
00:10:26Stafford from the gun.
00:10:28Pass complete.
00:10:302-2 Atwell.
00:10:31And this is down to the 28s before the defense ults it.
00:10:35That is the epitome of staying on schedule.
00:10:38That kind of completion right there on first down.
00:10:40Well, it opens up the entirety of the playbook
00:10:42for second down.
00:10:43Third and short in your back pocket
00:10:45and get even more aggressive
00:10:47and take that shot.
00:10:53Working from the gun.
00:10:55Here's Stafford.
00:10:56He'll get this to come.
00:10:57And he's tackled with the first down yardage.
00:11:02That's just great instincts.
00:11:04Go air it out on second down
00:11:05rather than just play conservative and run it.
00:11:07They hit a weak point in the coverage
00:11:09and don't need to worry about third down at all.
00:11:12They have themselves another first and ten.
00:11:14They pick the handoff now.
00:11:20Stafford.
00:11:21Caught him deep behind the line.
00:11:22Oh, the ball is out!
00:11:24And no turnover.
00:11:26It's going to stay with the offense.
00:11:28You know what?
00:11:28Everybody on the field is going to make mistakes.
00:11:31The key is to clean that up as quickly as he can.
00:11:34Ball carrier loses possession,
00:11:35but he doesn't panic and lose composure.
00:11:37Instead, well, he hops on the ball
00:11:40and he saves the day.
00:11:47All right, here we go.
00:11:48Second down.
00:11:55Trying again, following the set.
00:11:59That's knocked away by a defender.
00:12:01Incomplete.
00:12:03Any DB prefers a highlight reel interception
00:12:06or just forcing an incomplete pass.
00:12:07But as soon as he realized
00:12:09the pick wasn't possible on the play,
00:12:11he gets his hands on it
00:12:12and made sure it wasn't completed.
00:12:15So after that prior incompletion,
00:12:17we've got third down.
00:12:24Shotgun snap to Stafford.
00:12:28Finds a man right side.
00:12:30And that tackle stops him after a solid game.
00:12:34Feet and eyes, Kate.
00:12:36Feet and eyes.
00:12:36They so often tell the story of every position on the field.
00:12:39And that quarterback's feet and eyes move to his secondary read.
00:12:42And so often it's a tight end.
00:12:44Well, it's incumbent on that defense to fly to the ball.
00:12:47You want to make that tackle force the fourth down?
00:12:49It took a great defensive effort to do it.
00:12:51Slides, kick is up and good.
00:12:54Slides, kick is up and good.
00:12:56And it's dropped back down now to a four-point game.
00:13:00A dependable kicker, man.
00:13:01That is a coach's best friend.
00:13:03Saves him so much stress to have a guy
00:13:05he can really trust to go out
00:13:07and hit it from that distance consistently.
00:13:09Because from that far out,
00:13:10no kick is a guarantee.
00:13:12We've got a good one here.
00:13:29They've cut the lead to four as they send it away.
00:13:34Here's Kavante Terpen on the return.
00:13:39They track him down, but a nice return in the end there, Brock.
00:13:42He's up to the 38.
00:13:44Dallas sending its offense out for the second time this game.
00:13:47And so far, they've executed exactly how they drew it up, Brock.
00:13:51Early lead, no points allowed,
00:13:53and a chance now to seize control of the game
00:13:55on their second possession.
00:13:57And Kate, generally, offenses love to script their first 10 to 15 plays.
00:14:01Well, this entire game script is playing out just the way they want to.
00:14:10Man in motion here.
00:14:12Throwing on first is Prescott.
00:14:14This finds Cooks complete.
00:14:17And he's short of the first after a mild game.
00:14:21It's not just imperative that a quarterback knows man or zone.
00:14:25Same thing for a receiver, especially on a drag route.
00:14:28When he sees zone coverage like that,
00:14:29just settle down, find the soft spot,
00:14:32and give your quarterback a chance.
00:14:34After a good pickup, they've got second and four.
00:14:39Working out of the gun, it's Prescott.
00:14:42Brought in by Jake Ferguson.
00:14:44And he'll be taken down,
00:14:46but not until he reaches that 45-yard line.
00:14:49Give him 11 yards, Brock, and a fresh set of downs.
00:14:52I'm sure, Coach, a play caller doesn't mind making the job a little bit easier.
00:14:56You know, play calling's a lot simpler and easier
00:14:58when you count on the offense to move the chains on those early downs.
00:15:02Elliott's on first and ten.
00:15:09And the defense gets there to force a small loss.
00:15:13This is one of those situations, Kate,
00:15:15where I watch the body language of the running back
00:15:17because it'd be very easy for him to raise his hands up,
00:15:20look to the sideline in his O-line,
00:15:22and go, what am I supposed to do there?
00:15:24There was nothing, no time at all to try and escape and react.
00:15:27Instead, it goes backwards.
00:15:33Second and 12, behind the sticks.
00:15:37He loses the football.
00:15:39Picked up by the Rams.
00:15:42Wow, oh wow.
00:15:43He's sent his offense out twice now,
00:15:45and both times they fumbled it away.
00:15:48I'm not sure who's more aggravated.
00:15:50The dude's down there or the dude next to me up here.
00:15:53Well, I'm aggravated,
00:15:54but I know the guy on the field wants to put the offense in the doghouse.
00:15:58Like, all of them right now.
00:15:59This can't happen in the NFL, Kate.
00:16:01And a lot of guys out there, they've got to be looking to one another.
00:16:04Hold each other accountable to hold on to the ball.
00:16:07So the L.A. offense getting out there for their second drive.
00:16:11And the last drive did end in points.
00:16:13Not as many as they wanted, though.
00:16:15They had to settle for that field goal,
00:16:16despite advancing the football pretty well.
00:16:24While a new offense preps to head out,
00:16:26we've got a stoppage.
00:16:27They want to make sure this is a turnover.
00:16:30All right, so we all know what we're looking for here, Brock.
00:16:32Where did an elbow, maybe a knee, something touch down?
00:16:35And as it does, is the ball loose at that point?
00:16:39Yeah, throw in forearm, wrist, shin.
00:16:41There's no question the offensive guy is screaming,
00:16:44something hit the ground,
00:16:45while the defense is hoping it didn't.
00:16:50So the nice defensive play, all for Knott.
00:16:55He was down first, no fumble.
00:16:58He brings the offense up now for a first and ten.
00:17:09Prescott here from the gun.
00:17:13Connects on the crosser.
00:17:15And they get this all the way down to the 16-yard line.
00:17:19They'll get 14 yards and a new set of downs.
00:17:21You know, Kate, you'll find teams go to this crossing route concept
00:17:25sometimes a dozen times a game.
00:17:28A lot of times it's for short yardage,
00:17:30but sometimes things break in the right coverage
00:17:32for a much bigger impact play, just like that.
00:17:37Trying an inside give to Elliott.
00:17:40And he'll get this inside the ten to the nine.
00:17:44A nice six-yard pickup.
00:17:46They're going to have second and four.
00:17:51So before they can set up for another play,
00:17:53we've hit the end of the first quarter.
00:17:567-3 is our score.
00:17:58Back to AT&T Stadium in just a moment.
00:18:12Time for our second quarter now.
00:18:13Let's see if the Cowboys can capitalize here in the red zone.
00:18:20Right back to Elliott now.
00:18:22And he's just spinning his wheels, man, this entire first half.
00:18:25They drop it behind the line.
00:18:28The stop made that time by the rookie from Florida State.
00:18:31What was supposed to move the chains
00:18:33or at least make third down easier to handle instead?
00:18:36Well, did the exact opposite here, Kate.
00:18:38It now makes this third down a whole lot trickier to figure out.
00:18:40Throwing on third and long.
00:18:46Catches made in close.
00:18:48And in for the Dallas touchdown.
00:18:52To rock this offense.
00:18:53Looking sharp here in the first half as they extend their lead.
00:18:57You know, and when things are going well,
00:18:58sometimes you really just get into a groove.
00:19:00And this is a unit that's putting the pieces together.
00:19:03For the point after, here's Aubrey.
00:19:27The point after splits the uprights.
00:19:35And the Cowboys drive their lead to 11.
00:19:37It's a sedan.
00:19:38It's a Tetra
00:20:04Aubrey now to kick this one away.
00:20:162-2 at Oil.
00:20:17Now to return it.
00:20:20He stopped on the return of the 27.
00:20:23The Rams headed back after their second drive now.
00:20:27And down double digits, Brock.
00:20:28Field goals like we saw in their last drive
00:20:30aren't going to move the needle as much as they need to.
00:20:34The drive starts out with a 1st and 10.
00:20:59Throwing now Stafford finds his back, Kyron Williams.
00:21:05And this one's brought to a halt at about the 36-yard line.
00:21:10That is a textbook first down completion.
00:21:13Sets up second and very manageable.
00:21:15It creates space to take that shot downfield.
00:21:21Nice spot here for the offense.
00:21:23It's second and one.
00:21:24Off the play fake.
00:21:30It's Stafford.
00:21:31Toward the sideline and he's got it.
00:21:36And he'll be across midfield and close to that 45 before going out.
00:21:41That'll go for an 18-yard gain.
00:21:44And it brings up an L.A. first down.
00:21:48Kate, when you watch the combine, you'll watch guys try to make this throw.
00:21:51Without chemistry, it's so hard to execute.
00:21:54That was picture perfect.
00:21:56That's a QB and receiver on the same page because that route,
00:21:59that deep out to the field,
00:22:01that takes just a different level of connectedness.
00:22:05He gets it forward for a gain of three.
00:22:07Donovan Wilson getting there for the stop.
00:22:09Give him a few yards on that run.
00:22:12It's second and seven.
00:22:14You know, Kate, I like to call these body works.
00:22:17Body works.
00:22:17You've got to be committed to running the football.
00:22:20Even if it doesn't move the chains,
00:22:22I guarantee you that wear and tear will pay dividends later.
00:22:26From the 43.
00:22:32Cup on the catch.
00:22:34And they've got him down near the red zone at the 22.
00:22:38It's a 21-yard gain.
00:22:41And the Rams are going to have a first down.
00:22:44I may love watching a great thrower,
00:22:46but I love watching a well-done route too, Kate.
00:22:49Make that guy think you're trying to stack them
00:22:50only to drop your hips and cut right inside.
00:22:53Some good work to help reset those chains.
00:22:56From the gun, a carry by Williams.
00:23:01And he's brought down a little short.
00:23:03No, actually they do give him the 10-yard line.
00:23:06It's a gain of 12 there.
00:23:08And it brings up an L.A. first down.
00:23:12That was the perfect play call for that particular situation.
00:23:16Gave him enough to pick up a first
00:23:17with some room to spare.
00:23:19The drive picks up here.
00:23:21First and 10.
00:23:26Working inside the red zone.
00:23:30This one's caught.
00:23:33And this one's stopped at the 3-yard line.
00:23:37Quarterbacks will look for their tight end short
00:23:39in just about any situation.
00:23:41They take away the deeper options.
00:23:43Well, there's their consistent source of positive yardage.
00:23:46The trusty tight end.
00:23:47Second and three now.
00:23:56Throwing from the gun here.
00:23:59Throw complete to Williams.
00:24:02And he'll get them enough for a first down.
00:24:06A play like this,
00:24:07that's exactly where you want to get him the ball.
00:24:09Right on the outside.
00:24:10Where he's got the space
00:24:11and a lot more room to work.
00:24:13From inside the one,
00:24:19here's first and goal.
00:24:24Williams.
00:24:27Hits the end zone
00:24:28for the Los Angeles touchdown.
00:24:31The Rams
00:24:32making a one-score game
00:24:33in the first half.
00:24:35Kyron Williams,
00:24:36the touchdown.
00:24:38Well, we all knew what was coming
00:24:39when they got into that goal line formation,
00:24:41didn't we, Brock?
00:24:42Can they just pound the rock in
00:24:43for an old-school touchdown?
00:24:45I just sometimes love that stuff.
00:24:47Nothing fancy, nothing cute.
00:24:49Here's our formation.
00:24:50You know we're running right at you.
00:24:52And we challenge you to stop us,
00:24:54and you can't.
00:25:03On comes Joshua Cardi
00:25:04to try the extra point.
00:25:06Extra point sent right down the middle.
00:25:13And the Rams cut the lead down to four.
00:25:16Rams 10.
00:25:16Rams 10.
00:25:20Oh man.
00:25:27Oh man.
00:25:32Woo!
00:25:32We've got a good one here.
00:25:49They've cut the lead to four as they send it away.
00:25:54Turpin with a return.
00:25:57This return makes it up to the 37 as he's tackled.
00:26:01The Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott ready to get back to work.
00:26:06They have played lights out on offense, scored their first two times out, Bronc.
00:26:10A chance to go three for three and grow that lead here.
00:26:25The Cowboys have it in great field position as they come up to the line.
00:26:29First and ten.
00:26:32First down.
00:26:33Here's Dak.
00:26:34Throw complete to Lamb.
00:26:36And he's brought down after a nice game and a first down.
00:26:42That is what elite offenses are all about.
00:26:45Why worry about three downs when you need only one?
00:26:48Move the chains in one play and keep driving that defense backwards.
00:26:53First and ten from a yard shy of midfield.
00:26:56Dak off the play fake.
00:27:02Pocket isn't holding up.
00:27:04They're able to drop him.
00:27:06And the big play drives them backwards.
00:27:08Second down coming up.
00:27:11And look at that.
00:27:11All that effort and success from the previous play, it is gone.
00:27:15Credit to this defense who snapped and cleared.
00:27:17That's part of this game.
00:27:18Got to snap and clear.
00:27:19Give up a big play.
00:27:20Come back and make a big one for yourself.
00:27:22And they do get home with that sack.
00:27:31Offense to the line for second down.
00:27:39Elliott Street.
00:27:41Straight ahead.
00:27:42Hit behind the line.
00:27:43And the ball is loose.
00:27:45Picked up by the Rams.
00:27:47And they stop him before he gets much on the return.
00:27:52Well, sure, you're looking to try to get a first down on second down.
00:27:55You're trying to create a manageable third down.
00:27:57But I'll tell you what you're not trying to do ever is give the ball away.
00:28:02And that's what the offense does to the defense right there.
00:28:07The Rams back out on offense as we see Kyron Williams again.
00:28:11And the turnover puts them right back out there.
00:28:14Just a few plays since they scored that touchdown.
00:28:16Well, they didn't get much time to rest.
00:28:18But guess what, Kate?
00:28:18That defense didn't get much time to rest either.
00:28:21Now you can go in attack mode while they're still shaking off that last touchdown.
00:28:30So just like all touchdowns, all turnovers also reviewed.
00:28:33And they want to take another look at this one.
00:28:36Yeah, pretty bang-bang play out there.
00:28:37It's tough to see exactly what happened on our first look in real time.
00:28:41But you know what I like here?
00:28:42And I do appreciate it.
00:28:43And these officials are so good at let the play just play itself out before calling it dead.
00:28:49Now all the replays and the camera angles will give us such a better idea of really what happened.
00:28:56After review of the play, the ruling on the field is reversed.
00:28:59Take that fumble away.
00:29:00The officials overturned the call and say he was down.
00:29:07So near disaster a moment ago.
00:29:11But the drive's still in trouble if they can't convert on third.
00:29:17Dak now from the gun.
00:29:20Ferguson there to bring it in.
00:29:23And they'll make the stop of it at the 46-yard line.
00:29:27Those little short throws, they are high percentage and certainly bread and butter.
00:29:30But they really run the risk of a quick tackle just like that and being stopped short of the sticks.
00:29:37Cowboys punting it away here on fourth.
00:29:39And it's the long-time vet Brian Ingeron now.
00:29:43Nice punts here.
00:29:45Up and angled towards the sideline.
00:29:48This one's headed for the sideline.
00:29:49And out.
00:29:50Swung at the mark.
00:29:51They say it's at the nine where it crossed.
00:29:53The Rams returning their offense.
00:29:55And this running back to the field.
00:29:57And I think they'd be content doing everything the same as their prior drive and getting another touchdown here.
00:30:10They'll get this drive started.
00:30:12First and ten.
00:30:23Working from the gun.
00:30:24Here's Stafford.
00:30:25That one's complete to Higby.
00:30:28And he's taken down here at the 16-yard line.
00:30:32That's what you call efficiency.
00:30:34Exactly what you're looking for on first down.
00:30:36Textbook.
00:30:37It sets up second and very manageable.
00:30:40And it creates that space if you want to take a shot downfield.
00:30:43Second and three now.
00:30:51They take the handoff now.
00:30:53Stafford.
00:30:53Completes.
00:30:56It's at well.
00:30:57And that's good yardage with a new set of downs.
00:31:02Part of the reason I leave you pregame, Kate, and get down to that field and watch these guys throw and catch is I want to see their timing.
00:31:08I want to see their anticipation.
00:31:10That is picture perfect right there.
00:31:12A crossing route thrown that quickly tells me these two are on the same page.
00:31:16Here's first and ten from the 34.
00:31:20Here's first and ten from the 34.
00:31:27Stafford from the gun.
00:31:28He'll get this to come.
00:31:30And he's brought down for a loss.
00:31:33Well, there was never a play in any playbook I ever saw designed for a lost yardage play when you throw the ball.
00:31:40But if there's any solace, at least it was first down.
00:31:43A couple more chances to make up for it.
00:31:46Back to the line they go.
00:31:47It's second down.
00:31:48Give to Williams from the gun.
00:31:58And two yards is all he's going to get before he's caught.
00:32:01That was Michael Parsons making that play.
00:32:04He gets a couple and it'll bring up third down.
00:32:08Okay, that's a run that's whole home on the stat sheet.
00:32:10But if you see a bigger play on the ground later on, it'll largely be because of a play just like that one.
00:32:15Softening up the front and opening the door for a bigger gap in the future.
00:32:22Throwing is Stafford on third.
00:32:26And that's a win for the pass rush.
00:32:27Hit as he threw it.
00:32:28Leads to the incompletion.
00:32:29Fourth down coming up.
00:32:32You need to buy your receivers enough time to get open along the route.
00:32:35And your quarterback enough time to find and hit them with the throw.
00:32:39When the line doesn't hold up, incompletions follow.
00:32:42Rams going to punt on fourth down and they're calling Ethan Evans to the field.
00:32:51And the fair catch made here at the 15.
00:32:55The Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott just about set to get going on offense.
00:33:00They didn't add to their lead last time out.
00:33:02They punted it away but still ahead and able to add to it here.
00:33:05Offense ready to begin this drive.
00:33:20First and ten.
00:33:24Off the play fake.
00:33:25It's Prescott.
00:33:27He puts some power on a deep one left.
00:33:29In disaster of Gervin, he knocks away the deep ball incomplete.
00:33:32I don't fault the look downfield at all.
00:33:37I mean, that's just a situation there where it's a better defense to play than the offense executing.
00:33:44No dice on that prior pass.
00:33:46Here's second down.
00:33:51Handoff running right to Elliott.
00:33:54He gets it ahead and winds up with about three.
00:33:57Tredavious White there on the stop.
00:33:58You know, they got some positive yards.
00:34:02That's a good thing.
00:34:03But too many plays like that, it just is too hard to pile together, get first downs,
00:34:09gets the better defenses in this league.
00:34:15We're to the two-minute warning from AT&T.
00:34:19The Cowboys have a lot of work to do for any points before the break.
00:34:24Let's see what they draw off on a third and seven.
00:34:28Here's Dak.
00:34:32Lamb's got it on the sideline.
00:34:34And he'll be out of bounds at the 25-yard line.
00:34:37You know, I like the completion.
00:34:39You never turn down a completion.
00:34:41That's just not the right throw to make in that spot to move the chains.
00:34:47They'll go with another punt, which brings Brian Anger back to the field.
00:34:51The Rams have 2-2 Atwell, deep to return.
00:34:55First punt win, 45 yards.
00:34:57This looks considerably further.
00:34:59He feels this at the 18.
00:35:01And a nice return out of him.
00:35:03They have it a little further up, past their own 30.
00:35:06He manages 13 on this punt return.
00:35:09And the Rams will take possession.
00:35:10They've got 1st down from the 31.
00:35:31Shotgun snap to Safford.
00:35:40He beams one deep right side.
00:35:43And that's going to be knocked away incomplete.
00:35:45The ability to track the ball, right?
00:35:49Ball skills isn't just knocking it away.
00:35:50And that's a beautiful job there, Kate.
00:35:52The ball skills is also being able to track a ball on a deeper throw like that.
00:35:56If he doesn't swat it away, we're looking at a huge game.
00:36:00Couldn't connect on 1st.
00:36:01It's 2nd down.
00:36:02Stafford, a throw right side, finds Kopp.
00:36:10And this one gets to the 33-yard line before it's stopped.
00:36:13And it's 3rd down.
00:36:25Clock continuing to run as the Rams hurry to the line.
00:36:323rd and long for him here.
00:36:36That's taken in by Kopp.
00:36:38We'll have the 1st down and even more.
00:36:41And that's good yardage there with a new set of downs to boot.
00:36:45Now the Rams will use the 1st of their timeouts.
00:36:48And they can take a moment to try to build more momentum after getting the 1st.
00:37:001st and 10.
00:37:01Ball set up at the 48.
00:37:09Now Stafford again.
00:37:11He fires one deep down the middle.
00:37:13He's got it inside the 10.
00:37:16And he takes this in.
00:37:18Touchdown, Los Angeles.
00:37:21The Rams get some late points and the lead.
00:37:25Cooper Kupp, the touchdown.
00:37:28I love plays like this, Brock.
00:37:29Sometimes you just got to ask your dude, show me what you got, man.
00:37:32Show off those wheels.
00:37:34And he did just that.
00:37:36Yeah, beauty in simplicity, right?
00:37:38Yeah.
00:37:38When you run that fly route, you got to win right from the jump.
00:37:41Uh-huh.
00:37:41And you got to protect yourself from the sideline, too.
00:37:43Don't get pushed to the boundary.
00:37:45Give your quarterback room to throw it up.
00:37:47And you can find pay dirt.
00:37:49Cardi now for the P.A.T.
00:37:59Right down the middle.
00:38:00It's good.
00:38:02And the Rams push their lead to 3.
00:38:04Convoys 14.
00:38:07Joshua Cardi has it all teed up and ready to send it away.
00:38:35Doudle now to return it.
00:38:42And they bring him down, but there's a flag on the field.
00:38:53Again, they were pretty happy with.
00:38:55Goes away via the penalty.
00:38:56And now we're going to wait to see how they respond.
00:38:58So the penalty on the return doesn't do them any favors, Brock.
00:39:12A lot more field ahead of them here starting out.
00:39:16First and 10.
00:39:17Prescott.
00:39:18It's caught.
00:39:19Ferguson.
00:39:21And he's going to get this up to the 26 before being taken down.
00:39:24Halfway to the marker.
00:39:42It's second and five.
00:39:43Prescott here from the gun.
00:39:52Ferguson's got it.
00:39:52Complete.
00:39:54And he finds space for about a three-yard game.
00:39:56Tackle made by Ernest Jones.
00:39:59He's just one of those guys, Cade.
00:40:01Even when he's not open, he's still a target.
00:40:03Thanks to that physicality and his ability to just play bully ball.
00:40:06They don't like forcing into coverage, but sometimes when you've got a bully like him that can create space, just find a way to get him the ball.
00:40:18Looking to throw on third and two.
00:40:21Complete beyond the marker.
00:40:24And he'll get it out to the 34 before he's tracked down.
00:40:27Offense set for a first and 10.
00:40:49Another throw for Prescott.
00:40:52He throws a bullet down the right sideline.
00:40:55That one is incomplete.
00:40:57The clock now down to 16 seconds remaining.
00:41:00Oh, that's a major missed opportunity right there.
00:41:03Coverage can breathe a little sigh of relief.
00:41:06They dodged a bullet.
00:41:07Time to adjust and get some extra help on the back end to take away those open shots downfield.
00:41:18Throwing again is Dak.
00:41:21Finds him over the middle.
00:41:22Decent game here, but short of the first.
00:41:27Now the offense is going to take its third and final timeout.
00:41:30And that's all they've got for what little remains of this half.
00:41:43Third and just two to go.
00:41:49Dak throwing again.
00:41:50And he just gets rid of this one.
00:41:56But unfortunately, that means fourth down coming up.
00:42:00You know, these third and short situations, you rep them all the time.
00:42:04Snap after snap.
00:42:05Rep after rep.
00:42:06You're expecting man-to-man coverage in that down and distance.
00:42:09And you're expecting to execute.
00:42:11That time on third and short, they can't get the job done.
00:42:17He's back to throw.
00:42:18He finds him beyond the marker.
00:42:23And he'll be out of bounds at his own 45.
00:42:26I love those moments of truth.
00:42:28We get to see exactly how they handle it.
00:42:30With all the pressure that drives right on him.
00:42:33Turns out, handled it pretty darn well.
00:42:35And now they'll keep pushing on.
00:42:37Here comes the final play of our first half.
00:42:39Throwing it just before halftime.
00:42:48He puts some air under a deep throw to the left.
00:42:51Brought in inside the 20.
00:42:53And he's going to be stopped at the 17-yard line.
00:42:58That brings us to halftime.
00:43:00With the visiting Rams out in front.
00:43:02Now we'll send you east to our studios in Orlando.
00:43:05That's where Jonathan Coachman is waiting to bring you the EA Sports Halftime Report.
00:43:09Coach, what you got for us?
00:43:11Okay, Kate.
00:43:12Thanks very much.
00:43:13And with that, we welcome you all into our EA Sports Studios.
00:43:16This is the Halftime Report.
00:43:19We saw a fine performance in that first half from the running back, Kyron Williams.
00:43:24He wound up finding the end zone on a touchdown run.
00:43:27Don't give his guys the advantage here at the break.
00:43:29As always, a hat tip to Coach for his hard work during the break.
00:43:33Kids, we're happy to welcome you all back for the start of our third quarter.
00:43:45Aubrey now to kick this one away.
00:43:52On the return, here comes Rivers.
00:43:56He stopped on the return of the 27.
00:43:58The Rams and receiver Cooper Cuff taking the field once again.
00:44:03And he finds himself across an important benchmark for yards this season after that last drive.
00:44:09He stayed pretty busy this season, and the numbers show just that.
00:44:24They're out and set.
00:44:25First and ten.
00:44:28Working from the gun.
00:44:34Here's Stafford.
00:44:36That one complete to Higby.
00:44:38And he'll get it up near the 38-yard line before going down.
00:44:42That's an 11-yard pickup, and it gives them the first down.
00:44:46You know, it sure seems like he knew exactly where he was going with that before the snap.
00:44:50That's a pre-snap decision that led to a post-snap first down.
00:44:55New set of downs for him at the 38.
00:44:57On first down, here's Stafford.
00:45:03It's taken in by Williams, and they've got him behind the line for a big loss.
00:45:10Well, if they were concerned about losing yards, running it on first down, it just happened anyway.
00:45:16Not many passes end in the loss.
00:45:19Hopefully, they've got a little more aggressive strategy coming here on second down.
00:45:23Everyone's prepped.
00:45:24It's second down now.
00:45:29Stafford from the gun.
00:45:30That's our target, Kuka Nakua.
00:45:35And they catch up to him, but not until he's got a huge gain and a first down.
00:45:42A pickup there of 33 yards.
00:45:45And the Rams are going to have a first down.
00:45:48You know, Kay, we often talk about flipping the field in special teams, right?
00:45:51A kick return, a good punt.
00:45:54Well, an explosive play like that does the exact same thing.
00:45:56Look at the difference in field position by hitting on that shot.
00:45:59You've totally flipped the field in the tone of this drive.
00:46:09Second half starts with a run by Williams.
00:46:12And he's caught behind the line for a loss.
00:46:16On these first of ten calls, defenses are always keyed in that a run might be coming their way.
00:46:21And as soon as the QB turned to give the ball,
00:46:23the entire defense came crashing in to bury them for a loss.
00:46:28All right, here we go.
00:46:28Second down.
00:46:29Throwing now, Stafford.
00:46:40Complete.
00:46:40It's Atwell.
00:46:42And they haul him down just a foot or two shy of the red zone.
00:46:46They gain 14 on the play.
00:46:48And it brings up an L.A. first down.
00:46:51First down.
00:46:52Move the chains.
00:46:53Got to move them chains.
00:46:55Build momentum and keep that defense on its heels.
00:47:04Stafford now on first down.
00:47:07He gets this one to Nakua.
00:47:09That one goes for 15.
00:47:11And now they're going to have first and goal.
00:47:12Kid, I can't tell you how good that is.
00:47:15Anticipating the out cut.
00:47:17Having the ball on the way before the receiver's head even turns.
00:47:20He puts it on him so that receiver can easily get out of bounds for the nice game.
00:47:24Four downs now to get in.
00:47:26Here's first and goal.
00:47:33Working inside the red zone.
00:47:37Touchdown, L.A.
00:47:38Well, in a close game, they needed somebody to make that type of play.
00:47:45Now it pushes their lead to a couple of scores.
00:47:48It makes a comeback that much more difficult.
00:47:50You know, Kate, their offense did its part and padded the lead.
00:47:53Now it's up to this defense to make this two-scored lead hold up
00:47:56and carry it across the finish line.
00:47:59Cardi now for the P.A.T.
00:48:19The point after splits the upright.
00:48:21And the Rams make it a 10-point ballgame.
00:48:29Cardi has it all teed up and ready to send it away.
00:48:59Turpin with a return.
00:49:02And he's going to make this to the 28 before going down.
00:49:06The Cowboys are being led back out there on offense by their quarterback.
00:49:11And he has to be happy about his game.
00:49:13We're checking some of the highlights right now that he's made so far.
00:49:16A good showing that's seen him in the zone from time to time.
00:49:19And also he's just seen the field well from his spot in the middle of this offense.
00:49:29And the drivels start out with a first and 10.
00:49:48First down.
00:49:48Here's Dak.
00:49:50Got Lamb and it's complete.
00:49:52And he's going to be brought down at the 42.
00:49:56They get 13 on the pickup.
00:49:58And that's good for a Cowboys first down.
00:50:01This really isn't a rock design for a lot of yards, Kate.
00:50:04You're just trying to get a small handful and move on to the next down.
00:50:07Stay in rhythm.
00:50:08And any time you can work some magic after the catch and stretch it out,
00:50:12those are welcome bonus yards.
00:50:13Here's Zika on the carry.
00:50:20And they're going to get him down just shy of midfield.
00:50:23Still a nice game, though, up to the 49.
00:50:25Call it seven yards, and now they'll have second down and three.
00:50:29Well, that doesn't net a first down.
00:50:31You get yards like that in the run game, you will take it in the NFL.
00:50:36Second and three now.
00:50:37Once again, Elliott.
00:50:46And they make the stop.
00:50:47What are you going to say about the 37-yard line?
00:50:50It's a pickup of 14 yards as the chains reset.
00:50:54That right there, that will make the coaches happy.
00:50:56He didn't just get the first down, but got a healthy chunk of bonus yards afterwards.
00:51:02Markers reset.
00:51:03Ball at the 37.
00:51:07Here's Prescott.
00:51:11First and ten.
00:51:13Bies time.
00:51:14Rolling right.
00:51:16Now here he goes.
00:51:18He wisely avoids contact.
00:51:20Sliding down there.
00:51:21That play good enough for a first.
00:51:24That one goes for 25 yards.
00:51:27And it'll be first down, Dallas.
00:51:30Man, I don't ever want to be a defensive coordinator.
00:51:33They do so many things right to take away the pass.
00:51:36And then what happens?
00:51:37Well, you get a quarterback that lowers his head, gashes the defense with one of the biggest runs of the game.
00:51:42You take away the pass, but you can't stop the QB run.
00:51:46They'll come up first and ten.
00:51:52From the red zone now.
00:51:54And he makes the catch.
00:51:59Did he get both feet in?
00:52:00No.
00:52:01Oh, so close to six.
00:52:04Incomplete.
00:52:06Quarterbacks?
00:52:07Well, they're a lot like sharp shooters in the NBA.
00:52:09Sometimes they're just going to miss.
00:52:11You've got to shake it off and keep on firing.
00:52:13So after the incompletion, here comes the second down call.
00:52:20Working out of the gun.
00:52:21It's Prescott.
00:52:22And here will score.
00:52:24It's a Dallas touchdown.
00:52:27The Cowboys struck the second half with some needed points.
00:52:31C.D. Lamb with the touchdown.
00:52:33It's plays like this that make him so well-regarded across this league, Brock.
00:52:39Yeah, such as a difference-making receiver, Kay.
00:52:42You expect him to be the target down here.
00:52:43You did.
00:52:44I did.
00:52:44The defenders did.
00:52:46What makes him a star is even when people know his number's being called,
00:52:49he still finds a way to deliver.
00:52:51For the point after, here's Aubrey.
00:53:09Extra points sent right down the middle.
00:53:12And the Cowboys cut it to a field goal game.
00:53:21The Cowboys set up and it's away.
00:53:47Just a three-point game now.
00:53:48On the return, here comes Rivers.
00:53:54And a decent return ends as they bring him down inside the 30.
00:53:59The visitors and Matthew Stafford set to go back on offense.
00:54:03And on that last drive, Brock, he crossed a notable threshold
00:54:06in passing yards for the season.
00:54:08Always nice when you can reach one of those plateaus
00:54:11to look back on after the year's over.
00:54:18Drive starts out with a first and ten.
00:54:29They send the tight end in motion.
00:54:34Too much lead on that throw.
00:54:36That falls incomplete ahead of his target.
00:54:37I think if you look up in phase in the defensive encyclopedia,
00:54:42that is a picture-perfect form of it.
00:54:45He was all over him in coverage, really forcing the incompletion.
00:54:50No dice on that prior pass.
00:54:52Here's second down.
00:54:53Shotgun snap to Stafford.
00:55:04Able to find Nakua here.
00:55:06And he's going to go down right along the midfield strike.
00:55:10It's a 23-yard pickup on the play.
00:55:12And the Rams are going to have a first down.
00:55:16They like to say it's about the Jimmys and the Joes.
00:55:18I think that's about the Xs and the Os.
00:55:20That's a well-drawn-up completion that nets them a first down.
00:55:27A new set of downs forthcoming.
00:55:29It's first and ten.
00:55:33Off the play fake.
00:55:34It's Stafford.
00:55:38That's to the sideline.
00:55:39It's a catch by Williams.
00:55:41Pick up of a few as he heads out of bounds.
00:55:45That's a pretty similar result to a first down run play.
00:55:48Moves it forward.
00:55:49Keeps he on schedule.
00:55:51Makes second and third down a whole lot easier to manage.
00:55:55Second down now.
00:55:56Seven to go.
00:56:05Now Stafford again.
00:56:08Completed over the middle.
00:56:09And he'll pick up enough to move the chains.
00:56:13It sure seemed like he knew exactly where he was going with that right off the snap.
00:56:18Slated downs to approach here from the 40.
00:56:31Throwing now on first down.
00:56:33Stafford.
00:56:33And he just tucks this one away.
00:56:38Wasn't going to risk a thrower for something.
00:56:40It brings up second down.
00:56:42Well, you certainly want those throws to be automatic.
00:56:45Every team.
00:56:46If you're going to be efficient, you've got to hit those passes in the short to intermediate zone
00:56:50to effectively move the ball in this league.
00:56:53Couldn't connect on first.
00:56:55It's second down.
00:56:56Here's Stafford.
00:57:02Cup on the catch.
00:57:04And the defense is all over this one for a big loss.
00:57:09Well, even a drop would have been better than that, Franklin.
00:57:13Couldn't find a way back to the line of scrimmage.
00:57:15And it's a rare pass.
00:57:17It actually loses yardage.
00:57:18All right, Cowboys showing nickel set third down.
00:57:30Draw play.
00:57:30This is Williams.
00:57:32And the hit stops him cold.
00:57:33Wow.
00:57:34He maybe got back to the line.
00:57:37It goes.
00:57:37There's no gain on the third down run.
00:57:39And now they face fourth down.
00:57:42Don't laugh at me, Kate.
00:57:44I almost wish there was an actual white flag on either sideline.
00:57:47And we could see waving in this spot.
00:57:49Because that was an easy mop up for the defense to force fourth and long.
00:57:54The Rams are set to punt.
00:57:56And he wants to hit his second effort just as well as he hit his first.
00:58:05The home teams.
00:58:07And C.D. Lamb headed back out on offense.
00:58:10All their scoring has kept them close.
00:58:12But they still find themselves trailing by just a little in this third quarter.
00:58:17They'll get this drive started.
00:58:32First and ten.
00:58:37Play action.
00:58:38Prescott.
00:58:40Pocket isn't holding up.
00:58:41They're able to drop it.
00:58:42And the big play drives them backwards.
00:58:46Second down coming up.
00:58:48They call play action.
00:58:49Would have been better to actually give it to him on a carry right there, Kate.
00:58:52The front was fooled.
00:58:53Well, for about a split second, if that.
00:58:55And that play call ended up working in their favor as it leads to a sack.
00:59:04Offense to the line for second down.
00:59:06And he reaches the 17-yard line as he's hauled down.
00:59:18Calling about five yards.
00:59:20That's going to bring up third and 13.
00:59:23The humble five to six yard gain on the ground.
00:59:25Not a huge gain.
00:59:25Not a game-changing play by any means.
00:59:28But one that keeps you on schedule and takes some of the starch out of that front seven.
00:59:33And the Rams add a man to the secondary.
00:59:35We've got five in the nickel.
00:59:37Third down.
00:59:39Deck now from the gun.
00:59:42Escapes the pocket.
00:59:43Trying to get away from the pressure, but he can't.
00:59:45And they drop him.
00:59:48And the defense comes through.
00:59:49That's going to back him up and bring up fourth down.
00:59:53Well, partner, I think this defense had enough.
00:59:55This QB has been getting out of the pocket and doing damage with his legs.
01:00:00But not this time.
01:00:01And great pursuit.
01:00:02Great effort.
01:00:03And they're able to wrap him up for the sack.
01:00:07The Cowboys sending out their punting unit.
01:00:10And after that drive went backwards, he's going to send this one forward.
01:00:14Averaging over 50 yards a kick.
01:00:16And this is another one well hit.
01:00:19Starts the return at the 34.
01:00:21And he's brought down before the return gets far.
01:00:25Officially a 69-yard punt.
01:00:27What a kick.
01:00:28And they'll get ready to go on offense.
01:00:43Good field position for the Rams as they get ready.
01:00:46First and ten.
01:00:47Here's Williams to start to drive.
01:00:56And he'll be brought down after getting into the 47-yard line.
01:00:59Give him 11 yards, Brock, and a fresh set of downs.
01:01:04Hey, look, Kate.
01:01:05You can't just ask one tackler to go mano-a-mano and stop this guy.
01:01:09You've got to have the cavalry coming.
01:01:11One guy makes a hit.
01:01:12The others are there to clean up and pile on.
01:01:14Because one-on-one, he's going to run right through you.
01:01:17Safford back to throw.
01:01:24This is hauled in by Atwell.
01:01:27And a solid gain there.
01:01:28Gets him across the 45 before he goes out.
01:01:31There's no negatives ever on a great sheet for completion.
01:01:34But that's one of those situations.
01:01:36If you're going to take a risk and throw an out route,
01:01:38you'd sure like to see a little bit more yardage gained.
01:01:41Second and six coming up here.
01:01:43From the 43.
01:01:51Has him on the quick hitter.
01:01:53And that's good for a gain of five.
01:01:55Donahue and Wilson getting there for the stop.
01:01:58That can be a hopeless feeling when you fire a curl route
01:02:01right into its own coverage perfectly like that.
01:02:04Unless that curl happens to be right next to where one of your guys is sitting,
01:02:08that pass can hum in there and there's nothing this defense can do.
01:02:13Looking to throw on third and one.
01:02:20Complete beyond the marker.
01:02:22They come through with a nice gain of ten and a first down.
01:02:26You're not going to last long in the National Football League
01:02:28if you don't convert a good chunk of your third downs.
01:02:32Nice find there to continue the series.
01:02:34And they've got themselves another first and ten.
01:02:51Working from the gun.
01:02:52Here's Stafford.
01:02:53He'll get this to come.
01:02:55And he's stopped just before he reaches the red zone at the 21.
01:02:59A touchdown aside in that frame as we run out of time in the third quarter.
01:03:05It's Rams-Bong.
01:03:06We'll see if they can hang on to this lead until the end.
01:03:09After a good pick-up, they're set up with second and short.
01:03:35From the 21.
01:03:44Going over the middle, but it's incomplete.
01:03:47Hey, Kate, I know it's unrealistic to expect a 100% completion rate from anywhere on the field.
01:03:53But in this close, you really shouldn't be missing too many throws.
01:03:56Those need to be borderline automatic.
01:03:58No connection on the last play.
01:04:01And out third down.
01:04:08Stafford from the gun.
01:04:10Is passed caught by Nakua.
01:04:12And he's tackled with a first down yardage.
01:04:16That's what we call situational football.
01:04:18You spend all week working on your nickel passing game package
01:04:22to take advantage of third downs just like that.
01:04:25Still on the move.
01:04:28Coming to the line for first and ten.
01:04:34Straight ahead with Williams.
01:04:36And he only manages one.
01:04:37Couple of defenders there to bring him down.
01:04:41This one, you've got to be careful to just run it always on first down.
01:04:44You've got to break your tendencies.
01:04:45The casual fan?
01:04:46Well, that casual fan knew what was coming.
01:04:48But more importantly, this defensive front did too.
01:04:52They'll come to the line here.
01:04:53Second and nine.
01:04:55They stay on the ground with Williams.
01:05:02And he gets into the end zone.
01:05:04Touchdown, Los Angeles.
01:05:07The Rams make it a nine-point advantage.
01:05:11Kyron Williams, the touchdown.
01:05:14It's what every player who scores a touchdown wants to do, Brock.
01:05:18He wants to get right back there and put another six on the board.
01:05:21I've never met an NFL player content with one end zone trip in a game.
01:05:25Nope.
01:05:26Yeah, if you're content, you're not making it to this league.
01:05:28You get one, you're instantly thinking of another.
01:05:30And the fortunate few are able to actually deliver on it.
01:05:36Cardi now for the PAT.
01:05:37Right down the middle.
01:05:45It's good.
01:05:46And the Rams make it a 10-point ball game.
01:05:48Cardi now for the team, scoring 31.
01:06:02Cardi has it all teed up and ready to send it away.
01:06:25Dowdle now to return it.
01:06:27And pretty solid field position starting out here, Brock.
01:06:29He's tackled at the 29.
01:06:32The Cowboys offense now headed back to the field.
01:06:35And this game might be going better if he could have some more time just to work back there.
01:06:40This pass slasher has been all over them.
01:06:42Really keeps taking this offense out of any grooves that they've managed to get into.
01:06:47Okay, I like to say in life there's energy givers and there's energy vampires.
01:06:51Yeah.
01:06:51And for this defense, these sacks right here, they're such energy givers.
01:06:56And, man, it's like a vampire sucking the juice out of an offense.
01:06:59Yeah, I love that.
01:07:02Offense ready to begin this drive.
01:07:06First and ten.
01:07:09Now motion him out of the backfield.
01:07:12Throwing on first is Prescott.
01:07:15And the defense gets there to force a small loss.
01:07:18I know coordinator and quarterback are going to be upset with that first down because you call a screen on first, you're thinking stay ahead of schedule.
01:07:27Even a minimal gain to stay on pace.
01:07:30But instead, that defense creates a negative play and sets him back behind the sticks.
01:07:38From the gut is Prescott.
01:07:39It's taken in by Lamb.
01:07:43And a nice gain here, but it's stopped short of the first.
01:07:47The Rams showing a nickel look.
01:08:00Third down coming up.
01:08:05Prescott here from the gut.
01:08:07He has the first over the middle.
01:08:08And he'll pick up enough to move the chains.
01:08:12You know, they call that the money down for a reason.
01:08:15Because you're just simply not going to last long in the NFL if you don't convert a good portion of your third downs.
01:08:21It's the money down.
01:08:22And nice to see them roll the dice and continue the series.
01:08:25Running left, it's Elliott.
01:08:32And not much doing.
01:08:34He stopped quickly.
01:08:36He gets a couple on first, and they'll come up second and eight.
01:08:40You know, not a ton of yards, but still showing that commitment to the ground game.
01:08:44The type of run that keeps the defense from loading up in coverage and focusing entirely on that passing game.
01:08:50Eight yards to go.
01:08:52Let's see how they approach this second down.
01:08:56Working from the pistol, Prescott.
01:08:58Short pass brought in.
01:09:00And he drives this across midfield and down into enemy territory.
01:09:05Sometimes when you're just looking to move it forward, get some small yards on the throw.
01:09:09Quarterback's best friend, security blanket.
01:09:11And when it's a big old tight end, that's an extra bonus.
01:09:15Short yardage situation here.
01:09:17It's third and two.
01:09:22Now we'll run this with Elliott.
01:09:25And he works this to the 38 before going down.
01:09:29It's a pickup of 11.
01:09:31That's good for a Cowboys first down.
01:09:35Calm.
01:09:35Cool.
01:09:36Collected from this offense.
01:09:38Love to see it.
01:09:39No tunnel vision on what down it was.
01:09:41Just focused on executing the play in front of him.
01:09:44Here's Prescott.
01:09:49First and 10.
01:09:51Ferguson's got it.
01:09:52Complete.
01:09:53And he's going to be taken down a yard shy of the 25.
01:09:57They'll move the chains after that pickup of 12.
01:10:00Gosh, I really like this receiver on that drag route in particular.
01:10:04Why?
01:10:04Because he's a guy that creates after the catch.
01:10:07If they don't close quickly, he can take it to the house.
01:10:11Up to the line.
01:10:12And they're set.
01:10:12First and 10.
01:10:16Short side option here.
01:10:17He's running left.
01:10:19And he's only able to power this forward for about three yards.
01:10:23I can promise you that's not what it looked like on the practice field nor on the whiteboard.
01:10:27Typically, QB run is going to net you a whole lot more yardage than that.
01:10:31But let's give some credit.
01:10:32Strong effort by that defensive front who contained a play that typically goes for a whole lot more.
01:10:45And he works this to the 15 before they make the stop.
01:10:48Eight yards on the gain and the drive continues forward.
01:10:52Ooh, I like that.
01:10:53I really like that execution to move the chains.
01:10:56Now that third down call that they had ready, well, they could stick it right back in the pocket for a later occasion.
01:11:02All right.
01:11:03Set now.
01:11:03First and 10.
01:11:09This is Elliott running right.
01:11:11And he got what he could there.
01:11:12Only to the 14.
01:11:15Just to gain a one.
01:11:16And that brings up second and nine.
01:11:19The only thing I could say positive about the execution of that play is at least he didn't go backwards.
01:11:27They'll come to the line here.
01:11:28Second and nine.
01:11:34Working out of the gun, it's Prescott.
01:11:37Escapes out to the left.
01:11:39And that will not be enough for a first down.
01:11:42You know, that may have been a situation when you look back on it and he watches the tape the next day.
01:11:47He's got to find a way to throw the ball because his running ability, while it gets him some yards, is not enough to get the first down.
01:11:53Third and just two to go.
01:12:04Back to throw.
01:12:05Here's Dak.
01:12:05And he will score.
01:12:09It's a Dallas touchdown.
01:12:12The Cowboys making a four-point game here in the fourth.
01:12:16Well, Brock, you know this better than most.
01:12:18Sometimes these dudes can be a quarterback's best friend fighting in the tight end in the end zone for six.
01:12:24And it really has been that way for decades when you think about it, Kate.
01:12:27From John Mackey to Tony Gonzalez to Travis Kelsey.
01:12:30The position could be such a mismatch when you're throwing for the end zone.
01:12:34They can check on one more now.
01:12:46Bring things back to within a field goal.
01:12:53And he connects there.
01:12:54So now another kick from him.
01:12:55A field goal.
01:12:56We'll tie this game in the fourth.
01:12:58It's a L.A.
01:12:58We'll try to make it out.
01:12:59It's a L.A.
01:13:00We'll try it out.
01:13:01We're our best friend.
01:13:02We're our best friend.
01:13:03We're our best friend.
01:13:04We're our best friend.
01:13:05We're not supposed to be, we're the best friend.
01:13:07I'm giving you a big deal.
01:13:07I'm giving you a big deal.
01:13:08I'm giving you a lot of friends.
01:13:10Back then they really did tell me.
01:13:11But right now they act like we're on me.
01:13:15Hey.
01:13:18How you feel it?
01:13:19Let me know.
01:13:20We can get you right now.
01:13:23I'm giving you a big deal.
01:13:24Volley set up, and it's away.
01:13:30Just a three-point game now.
01:13:34Atwell now to return.
01:13:37Coverage team gets him down at the 26-yard line.
01:13:41Possession switching back to the L.A. offense as they head out.
01:13:44And after that touchdown, cut their lead back to one score, Brock.
01:13:47A response in order as they take over.
01:13:54They're out and set.
01:14:01First and ten.
01:14:07Drive begins with a run.
01:14:09It's Williams.
01:14:10And he's only going to get two or three yards on that one.
01:14:13Hey, not a bad play by any means, but there's room for more.
01:14:17And they know it.
01:14:25Second down now, seven to go.
01:14:36They take the handoff now, Stafford.
01:14:41Did not like what he was seeing, Brock, and he just hurls this one away.
01:14:44There was almost no resistance offered against the rush.
01:14:48It came off the line ready to maul anything in sight.
01:14:52It was all the QB could do to get rid of that before he gets absolutely clobbered.
01:14:57Last pass unsuccessful, and they have third down here.
01:15:06Looking to throw.
01:15:08Yeah, this one is dropped and incomplete.
01:15:11He had the pick in his hands.
01:15:12Couldn't hang on.
01:15:13It's going to be fourth down.
01:15:16I think I could see his eyes from the proof.
01:15:19He was envisioning the return and simply dropped it.
01:15:22Got to secure the pick before anything else.
01:15:25The Rams are set to punt.
01:15:28Ethan Evans, the one to kick it away.
01:15:35Feels this clean at the 30.
01:15:38And it ends up a good return for him.
01:15:40Up past their own 40.
01:15:41The home team's headed back out on offense.
01:15:45Their quarterback returning to the field now.
01:15:48And he'll be happy to keep letting it fly as much as he has all game.
01:15:52Look at these numbers.
01:15:53They show just how effective he's been in captaining this offense.
01:15:56The Cowboys have it in great field position as they come up to the line.
01:16:10First and 10.
01:16:11First down.
01:16:14Here's Dak.
01:16:17Getting out to his left.
01:16:19He takes it himself.
01:16:21And he's going to get stopped right around the 45-yard line.
01:16:25That's an 11-yard pickup, and it gives them the first down.
01:16:28As long as these are the results he's getting, they're going to be just fine with him calling his own number.
01:16:33He does such a good job of seeing the field and knowing when it's his time to take it himself.
01:16:38Ball on the 45.
01:16:42First and 10.
01:16:46Now Dak to throw.
01:16:48Put the body on the line for his team.
01:16:52That's 16 on the pickup.
01:16:54And it'll be first down, Dallas.
01:16:57When coaches discuss their favorite plays of a game, I guarantee you this one's going to be on it.
01:17:02Not just because of the catch, but because of the effort to go lay out and bring in an off-target throw.
01:17:09They've got three timeouts and the two-minute warning left for them.
01:17:13We've got first and 10.
01:17:13Now here's Prescott.
01:17:20Catch made over the middle.
01:17:22And he's going to be marked down five yards short of that first.
01:17:26I feel so bad.
01:17:27I really do.
01:17:28And I don't mean this sarcastically.
01:17:29I feel bad for these guys in coverage.
01:17:32I don't know how you defend some of these players today.
01:17:35Because they get that drag route.
01:17:36They get one step inside of you.
01:17:38Well, there's very little you can do other than make the tackle.
01:17:40We've reached the two-minute warning from Dallas.
01:17:44Cowboys down by only three.
01:17:53From the 24.
01:17:55Trying to push it deep downfield.
01:17:57He's got it.
01:17:58Oh, what body control.
01:18:00The stand and get the two feet down.
01:18:04So what a finish this is shaping up to be.
01:18:08The late touchdown here, Brock.
01:18:10Moves them in front.
01:18:11And week to week.
01:18:12What a pleasure it is for us to call these games.
01:18:15We never know what kind of game we're going to get.
01:18:17This one's been everything you could have wanted.
01:18:19And now, even though they've taken the lead,
01:18:21there's still enough time on that other sideline for them to go mount a response.
01:18:25Now a crucial point after to stretch the lead beyond a field goal.
01:18:46And it's good.
01:18:47So they take the lead, and the extra point buys them some breathing room.
01:18:50A field goal does not tie it now.
01:18:52Well, I'm not.
01:18:53Well, I'm not.
01:18:53You want.
01:18:54Well, I got it.
01:18:54You want.
01:18:55I got it.
01:18:56Fly down to the ice.
01:18:58She ain't even gonna bring her watch.
01:19:00Yeah, I'm kidding, but I got it.
01:19:01I'm so, I got it.
01:19:03Yeah, yeah.
01:19:03Yeah, yeah.
01:19:04Aubrey now to kick this one away.
01:19:26On the return, here comes Rivers.
01:19:28And a decent return ends as they bring him down inside the 30.
01:19:36Visitors back out on offense.
01:19:38They're a running back headed out once again.
01:19:41They get that big old marker out.
01:19:43Cross a major number off his roadmap after that last drive.
01:19:47He's reached one of the marks that every back strives to hit at some point during the season.
01:19:58And the drive will start out with a first and ten.
01:20:07Back to throw.
01:20:12Defender arrives right as the ball does.
01:20:14And the hit knocks it free.
01:20:15Incomplete.
01:20:17Defender's not going to be thrilled.
01:20:19The catch was almost made on his watch.
01:20:21But more importantly, he breaks it up.
01:20:23Gives him a chance to do a little giant after the play.
01:20:25Let's the other guy know he roughed him up.
01:20:28It cost him that catch.
01:20:35Here he is to throw.
01:20:38This one's caught.
01:20:40It's caught near the sideline.
01:20:42And he reaches the 35 before going out.
01:20:44I know I can sound like a broken record when I talk about timing.
01:20:49And getting the ball out on time and on rhythm.
01:20:51But these out cuts, it is so imperative.
01:20:53And the best of them make it look oh so easy.
01:20:56Chance to move the chains here on third and four.
01:21:03To throw.
01:21:04And even on third down, he sees no choice other than to get rid of it.
01:21:12Not the play they wanted.
01:21:13It's going to be fourth down.
01:21:16Well, that's one Guchaka to the pressure, earning that incompletion.
01:21:19They came in before he could find a target.
01:21:22Hit him.
01:21:22Altered that last second attempt to get rid of it.
01:21:25Third down pass didn't work.
01:21:27But the offense staying out there on four.
01:21:28Here he is to throw.
01:21:36That's incomplete on fourth down.
01:21:37And they'll turn over possession.
01:21:40Even the best receivers, they've got occasional breaks in concentration.
01:21:44You just never want to see it happen.
01:21:46One of the most important snaps of the game.
01:21:49If we know anything about this guy, though,
01:21:51it's he'll be up for the challenge the next time the ball comes his way.
01:21:58They're set up at the 35 now.
01:22:21Elliott's on first and ten.
01:22:23And he's tackled after gaining a handful.
01:22:26Now the Rams will use the first of their timeouts
01:22:29as they'll meet and decide what to do on this second down.
01:22:33Trying an inside give to Elliott.
01:22:54And he's got a decent game before being brought down.
01:22:58Timeout taken by Los Angeles.
01:23:00It's second.
01:23:02And they'll have just one left to burn now.
01:23:14Third down.
01:23:15One yard to go.
01:23:20Right back to Elliott now.
01:23:22And he could not get there.
01:23:24They stopped him right at the line.
01:23:25Now the Rams are going to use their third and final timeout.
01:23:30That's all they had.
01:23:31So the offense free to start running the clock down now.
01:23:43Offense staying out there.
01:23:44It's fourth and one.
01:23:49Crying for it.
01:23:50It's Elliott.
01:23:50And he's brought down for a loss.
01:23:54And they get to him just in time.
01:23:56That's a tackle for the stand and a turnover on downs.
01:24:00I love aggressive defenses.
01:24:02And a blitz on fourth down is a gutsy call.
01:24:04But it can work against the pass or, in that case, against the run.
01:24:08Good luck running for the sticks when you've got a whole defense crashing the line of scrimmage off the snap.
01:24:13Now L.A. getting its offense all set to go.
01:24:17And they're very fortunate.
01:24:19The turnover on downs in short field did not lead to points.
01:24:22They can think they're defense by putting a scoring drive together right now.
01:24:36Drive starts out with a first and ten.
01:24:38He'll look to throw it.
01:24:47Complete.
01:24:48It's at well.
01:24:50And he'll go down.
01:24:51It will stay right at the 39-yard line.
01:24:54Give him 13 on that play.
01:24:56And he brings up an L.A. first down.
01:25:00Well, that is pretty darn impeccable timing between the two.
01:25:03They hit a curl route of that length.
01:25:04It takes great anticipation and precision by the quarterback.
01:25:08And the receiver on the other end finishing it, doing his job.
01:25:13And they got there in time.
01:25:15He's taken down.
01:25:18And the big blade drives them backwards.
01:25:20Second down coming up.
01:25:23Send everybody deep.
01:25:24I know he wants to wait and stretch the field and use his arm.
01:25:27Trouble is, you wait too long, you end up on your back.
01:25:30Clock continuing to run as the Rams hurry to the line.
01:25:38Setting up to pass.
01:25:43And will he?
01:25:44No, he's not going to escape.
01:25:45They take him down on a pivotal play late in this ballgame.
01:25:49And the back-to-back sacks.
01:25:52Nice work by the defense there.
01:25:53Sets him up with a third down.
01:25:56Some squads you just see love to do this, Kate.
01:25:58And I've got so much respect for defensive coordinators.
01:26:02Who late in the game, instead of playing for vent,
01:26:04they step up the aggression meter.
01:26:06Back-to-back sacks.
01:26:07Puts this offense and this quarterback way off schedule.
01:26:10And they get to him again.
01:26:18So it's a win for the Cowboys.
01:26:20And there was no easing up.
01:26:22It took some white knuckling until the very end.
01:26:25But their defense carried that small lead through to the finish line
01:26:28as they escape with a victory.
01:26:30So for my partner, Brock Heward, and our entire crew,
01:26:39I'm Kate Scott, saying this has been the NFL on EA Sports.
01:26:43So long, everybody.
01:26:45The Cowboys are winners as we say so long from Dallas.
01:26:48Nice.