Jacksonville Faces Dallas: A few words from The Landry Hat

We here at Black and Teal had a chance to talk with Steven Mullenax, the site expert for FanSided’s The Landry Hat this week. The Dallas Cowboys host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.

This one might be a case of which team – the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Dallas Cowboys – can score 17 points to earn a win. Both offenses have struggled of late, with each team “needing” this victory on Sunday.

Black and Teal spoke with Steven Mullenax of The Landry Hat this week about his take on the game for his team. Here is what he had to say.

1. Will the Cowboys make any changes to their game plan knowing new Jaguars running back Jamaal Charles will get work this week?

SM: I’m sure the Cowboys are well aware of the Jamaal Charles signing, but it seems more likely T.J. Yeldon will get the bulk of the carries on Sunday.

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Jamaal hasn’t been a 1,000-yard back since 2014 and the 31-year old rushed for just 269 yards and a score last season with the Denver Broncos.

Regardless of who is running the ball for Jacksonville, the Dallas defense has been the strength of the team through the first five games of the season.

And they rank 11th in total defense.

2. Does the criticism by former Jaguars’ wide receiver Allen Hurns affect the play calling this week? Will greater attention be given to the passing game?

SM: I do not think so. I believe the Allen Hurns’ comments haven’t been as dividing as some may think they would be. He basically said the Cowboys ran the wrong play against the defense that was being used.

And I think everyone agrees that was a correct assessment of the play.

At 2-3, and possessing the league’s 29th worst passing offense, it’s no secret Dallas has major problems through the air. Hurns’ comments weren’t any sort of revelation.

As for greater attention be given to the passing game, it’s something they are constantly working to improve.

3. The Jaguars defense held Kansas City to two touchdowns last week. How does Dak Prescott remain effective against this unit?

SM: At this point, I think Dak Prescott has been most effective when he is a legit rushing threat as well as a pocket passer. Clearly, the Cowboys want to rush the ball. If they can do so effectively, the play-action passing game should open up for Dak.

But if Jacksonville is able to stifle running back Ezekiel Elliott, Prescott ability to run the ball himself in the run-pass option (RPO) is likely the team’s best chance at beating a tough Jags defense.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys offense has been using RPO’s less and less, which many believe to be a mistake.

4. Will the idea of the Jaguars starting their third left tackle this season this week mean a greater emphasis on the pass rush from the defensive line?

SM: The Cowboys have several underrated pass rushers in players like Randy Gregory, Taco Charlton, and Tyrone Crawford. But their premier pass rusher is DeMarcus Lawrence.

With a whopping 5.5 sacks in five games, Lawrence will look to take advantage of former Cowboys backup in Jags starting right tackle Jermey Parnell. That’s the real matchup worth watching.

5. Who on offense besides Ezekiel Elliott will step forward as a scoring threat this week?

SM: I think the best bet is wide receiver/gadget player Tavon Austin. Not a consistent playmaker, Austin has been good for two or three impactful plays a game. And that’s both as a deep threat receiver and a rushing threat out of the jet sweep.

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The former first-rounder has recorded two touchdowns this year through five games after going all of last season without a score as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

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