Jacksonville Jaguars defense preparing to take on Cowboys

The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason finale. Both teams are coming off losses and neither one has won a game this year. If the Jags want to put an end to their losing streak, they will have to do a better job of protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Equally important, they will need to run the ball efficiently.

The Jaguars’ defense will also need to do its part. Even though they have stopped both the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints from running the ball, both squads have had no trouble throwing the ball efficiently. Jags defensive coordinator Joe Cullen met with the local media ahead of the team’s matchup versus the Cowboys and touched on several topics, including what he expects from “bottom of the depth chart” players.

"It’s all relative to how that person fits into the big picture. They play in special teams, that they have a role on defense, they have to do those things. If we keep anybody and only speaking defensively over the years, what’s the value on special teams? I’m talking about the bottom of the roster. Gotta be great on special teams and they have to have a role."

Players such as cornerback Shaquill Griffin and safety Rayshawn Jenkins are at the top of the depth chart. Thus, they aren’t the kind that will see a big amount of time on special teams. However, players vying for a roster spot will have to earn their stripes with the coverage units. Cullen’s approach is no different from the one other coaches use, so his comments aren’t surprising. Why would a team keep players that will stay on the sidelines most of the game?

Here are a few more takeaways from Cullen’s sitdown with the media ahead of the Jaguars’ preseason finale.