Jaguars trailing Cowboys at halftime despite WR Zay Jones’ TD

It took the Jacksonville Jaguars a few tries but they finally managed to put points on the scoreboard. A receiving touchdown by wide receiver Zay Jones drew them within 14-7 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter. However, a quick touchdown pass to wide receiver Noah Brown gave the Cowboys a 21-7 lead before halftime.

The Jaguars had five possession in the first half but only managed to score on one. Cornerback DaRon Bland has done a good job of covering Christian Kirk, who has yet to catch a pass. Trevor Lawrence is 9-of-15 for 84 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.

The Jaguars’ defense forced the Cowboys to punt on their first offensive possession. Defensive end Arden Key and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi showed out, sacking Dak Prescott on the first. However, Fatukasi eventually left the game and was ruled as questionable to return.

The Jaguars tried to get Travis Etienne involved early with mixed results. He managed to move the chains once on their first offensive drive but also fumbled, which Dallas then recovered in Jaguars’ territory. That didn’t deter the coaching staff from giving him the ball though. The former Clemson Tiger finished the half with 46 yards on eight carries.

The Jaguars’ offensive line has had trouble stopping Micah Parsons who is seemingly applying pressure on every play. On the bright side, Trevor Lawrence hasn’t been sacked once.

The Jags were close to stopping Dallas on their third offensive possession but cornerback Tre Herndon got a questionable pass interference call on third-and-1 at the Cowboys’ 26-yard line.

The Jaguars’ defense needs to stymie the Cowboys’ running game

Outside linebacker Travon Walker, who suffered an ankle injury last week, didn’t suit up for the game and the Jaguars’ defense sorely missed him. They had a hard time stopping running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard. So far, Dallas has 78 yards on nine 19 carries.

On the other hand, the front seven has sacked Dak Prescott twice. Then again, it hasn’t been enough, as Dak Prescott went 15-of-16 for 137 yards with two touchdowns.

The Jaguars’ defense was able to create splash plays against the Tennessee Titans. They’ll need a few in the second half if they want to tie this game in the second half. Similarly, their wide receivers need to find a way to get open against a stingy Dallas defense.