Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys: Keep Your Enemies Close – 5 Questions with The Landry Hat

The Jacksonville Jaguars have traveled a long way to “host” the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London, and they should have their hands full against one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.

There are still plenty of question marks heading into this game, the most prominent one being the status of Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo, but the Jaguars need to focus on being more efficient on offense. Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles needs to limit his mistakes – he should be in line for a big day against a no-name Cowboys defense if he can avoid the disastrous interceptions he’s thrown in the last several weeks.

To get some more answers, we met up with our friends over at The Landry Hat. Here’s what editor Steven Mullenax had to say:

1. Alright let’s start off with the big question – is Tony Romo going to play? And if he is, why on earth are they risking it?

"SM: The official answer is questionable. I personally think he will. Whether that’s the smart thing to do or not, only time will tell. But I know the Cowboys do not wish to go into the bye week on a three-game losing streak. And if they truly believed they could win the game with back-up quarterback Brandon Weeden at the helm, they would rest Romo. But after Sunday’s poor offensive performance, I think Dallas believes it’s vital to have Romo play on Sunday. And that their need to win now is greater than the risk to Romo’s back."

2. DeMarco Murray has been the best running back in football for the first half of the season. Is it the offensive line, Murray, or a little bit of both?

"SM: It has been both. We’ve seen this offensive line open massive holes for Murray to run through. But if you watch closely, DeMarco is playing really smart this season. He’s allowing his blockers to do their jobs and making really good decisions behind them. Despite the belief any running back could thrive behind this talented offensive line, I think Murray’s unique skill set and past experiences have made all the difference this year."

3. Many expected the Cowboys’ defense to be a complete disaster this year, but they’ve held up pretty well. What has been the key to the improvement on defense from 2013?

"SM: One of the more underrated aspects of this defense’s resurgence has been the fact that this is their second year under this defensive scheme. Last season, the Cowboys made the transition from Rob Ryan’s complicated, free flowing blitz heavy defense to Monte Kiffin’s Cover 2, Tampa 2 scheme. Having another year to understand and adjust to that scheme has made a big difference. Also acquiring players better suited for that scheme has helped too. But make no mistake, it’s the Cowboys offense that has made the biggest difference. Limiting this defense’s time on the field has been key to the team’s overall success this season."

4. Which matchups concern you the most heading into this game?

"SM: My main concern surrounds the Cowboys’ quarterback position. If Romo does play, which I believe he will, then I think it should be an easy win for the Cowboys. But as this Dallas team hasn’t had an easy win yet this season, getting the Cowboys passing game in order is my number one concern."

5. What’s your prediction?

"SM: It’s my hope the Cowboys will return to what has made them one of the best teams in the NFL, their running game. Expect a ton of DeMarco Murray in this game on foreign soil. That’s the one thing that translates best no matter where you play. Running the ball successfully also relieves the pressure on the quarterback position and the defense, both possible trouble areas for Dallas. As Jacksonville’s defense allows 123.4 rushing yards a game, I don’t anticipate them being able to contain Murray for long. Still, the Cowboys can be their own worst enemy, making the game closer than I would like.Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 16."