An NFL team’s success is ultimately determined by the amount of games it wins but the 2022 season wasn’t about winning for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead, Trevor Lawrence’s development and laying the foundation for future success were at the top of the organization’s priority list.
Having said that, you could make the case that the Jags have exceeded expectations. After all, head coach Doug Pederson warned everyone that this wouldn’t be an overnight fix. Nevertheless, Jacksonville has managed to be competitive for most of the season and is still in the thick of the playoff race.
At 5-8, the Jaguars control their own destiny and can qualify for the postseason if they win their next four games. They could still get in if they lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 but the path becomes considerably challenging.
For that reason, it’s in the Jaguars’ best interest to beat a Cowboys team that is coming off a sluggish win over the Houston Texans in Week 14. With that in mind, here are five predictions for Week 15.
5. Jaguars OLB Josh Allen will register 2 sacks vs. the Cowboys
Defensive end Dawuane Smoot leads the Jaguars in sacks with five while outside linebacker Josh Allen ranks second with four. With rookie Travon Walker’s availability in question for Sunday, Smoot, Allen will need to come through.
Although Allen’s sack totals don’t pop off of the stat sheet, he’s one of the best in the league at creating pressure. Against the Cowboys, he’ll need to disrupt the pocket as much as possible to let his teammates make plays. He’ll likely be lined up with an aging albeit serviceable Jason Peters for most of the game. If that’s the case, he should be able to win this matchup and register a couple of sacks.
4. Jaguars TE Evan Engram will have 100 yards for the 2nd game in a row
The Jaguars got a breakout performance from tight end Evan Engram when he caught 11 passes for 162 yards against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Doug Pederson told the media that the matchup made it possible to feed him the ball but given how effective Engram was, wouldn’t it be a good idea to get him involved against the Cowboys?
Engram has always had playmaking skills but drops and mental mistakes have set him back. If he can overcome both and Trevor Lawrence targets him early, he should be able to get his second 100-yard game in Jaguars uniform.
3. The Jaguars’ defense will force 2 turnovers vs. the Cowboys
The Jaguars’ defense got off to a strong start to the 2022 season, registering nine takeaways in the first four games. But forcing turnovers at that rate wasn’t sustainable, so it’s not surprising that they fell off a bit since then. On the other hand, the unit showed against the Titans that they haven’t lost their ability to steal possessions.
Both Travon Walker and linebacker Shaquille Quarterman forced fumbles and safety Andrew Wingard registered an interception. The Jags also recovered a botched exchange between quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry for a total of four takeaways.
Walker may not play but the Jaguars are getting safety Andre Cisco, who missed the last two games, back in the lineup. Their knack for forcing turnovers will be on full display against Dallas.
2. The Jaguars O-Line won’t allow a single sack against the Cowboys
One of the reasons Trevor Lawrence has excelled this season is the offensive line. While the unit has had a few rough outings, they’ve allowed just 23 sacks, the fifth-fewest figure in the league. It’s also noteworthy that they didn’t give up a sack in six games.
In Week 15, the Jaguars will have one of their toughest matchups of the season when they face off against linebacker Micah Parsons, and defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Amstrong Jr. The trio has accounted for 26 of the Cowboys’ 48 sacks this season.
Amstrong is questionable for the game but even if he doesn’t suit up, Lawrence and Parsons will present a serious test for the Jags’ offensive line. Then again, Jacksonville should be up to the challenge.
1. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence will throw for 3 TDs vs. the Cowboys
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Trevor Lawrence has made significant strides in 2022. He and the Jaguars went through a rough stretch in October but the former Clemson Tiger has bounced back nicely and has completed over 71 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions since Week 9.
The Cowboys rank second in the league in passing yards allowed but that shouldn’t deter the Jags from throwing the ball. While it’s a good idea to lean on running back Travis Etienne and keep a balance on offense, the Jags also need to trust Lawrence to make plays.
Against the Cowboys, Lawrence will throw three touchdowns and solidify his spot as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Is it bold? Certainly but it’s hard to bet against him given how well he’s played in recent weeks.