3 Vikings matchups to watch in Week 10 vs. the Cowboys

Cowboys offensive line vs. Vikings defensive line

While the entire defense will be tested by the Dallas offense, this game also has the feel of an old school battle in the trenches. While the Minnesota Vikings defensive line has been a strength to what they want to do on that side of the ball, the Dallas offensive line has meant the same thing to their offense making this a battle of the unstoppable force against the immovable object.

As Tony Romo was getting bludgeoned behind the Cowboys’ offensive line during the early part of this decade, Jerry Jones got aggressive in fixing the problem with first-round selections. Tyron Smith remains one of the best offensive tackles (if not offensive linemen) in the game while fellow first-rounders Travis Frederick (who is finding his footing after missing last season) and Zack Martin have also solidified the Cowboys’ most important asset.

Even Connor Williams and La’el Collins have played big roles in helping Dallas carve out the league’s fifth-ranked rushing attack. To boot, the Cowboys have only allowed 10 sacks all season, the third-lowest total behind Oakland (9) and Pittsburgh (8).

Although Zimmer said keying on stopping Elliott won’t be the best way to stop the Cowboys, the best way to do that is to get to the offensive line. Throw out the 91-yard touchdown by Damien Williams last week and you’ll remember that the Minnesota Vikings run defense is pretty good, ranking 13th against the run, but would be a top-ten unit if it weren’t for that big play.

With Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen having tough assignments on the outside, it will be up to the interior group of Linval Joseph, Jalyn Holmes, and Stephen Weatherly to attack the interior to throw a wrench into the Dallas machine up front.