ARLINGTON, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys’ offense made the statement it had to make in a much needed win against the Jacksonville Jaguars 40- 7. Dallas attacked Jacksonville’s predominately nickel defense with their ground game amassing 206 total rushing yards, including a 17-yard touchdown rush by quarterback Dak Prescott. Ezekiel Elliott finished with 24 carries for 106 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Prescott recorded 11 carries for 82 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. The Cowboys’ o-line overpowered the Jaguars defensive front, providing Dak solid protection and more time to throw the football, than in games past.
As a result, the passing game opened. Dallas was more aggressive throwing deep downfield passes. Prescott was able to assess the field after the snap and accurately release the ball with plenty of time to throw. Prescott targeted Cole Beasley in critical situations and he seemed to be the only receiver Dak had eyes for on the field. Beasley concluded the game with 9 receptions for 101 yards, an average of 11.2 yards after the catch, and two touchdowns. He played a significant role in the success of the Cowboys’ passing game. He is a receiver Dak feels comfortable with on third down and is familiar with his speed and tendencies on routes. Beasley was used in a variety of ways and can beat corners on man-to-man on the inside or outside, with his quickness and eye for the ball. Prescott finished 17 for 27 with 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Prescott commented on his chemistry with Beasley following the victory, “ There is good connection there. Beasley played QB back in the day, so he has a good feel for coverages. “
Defensively, the Cowboys’ defense had another great performance keeping, the Jaguars offense to seven points throughout the game and only one trip to the end zone. They held Jacksonville to 37 rushing yards and 27 passing yards in the first half and kept their offense to 10 first downs throughout the game. The Jaguars ended 4-11 on third down efficiency. Their offense had zero red zone appearances. The touchdown they had was a 34-yard TD pass from Blake Bortles to Dede Westbrook. Time of possession Jaguars 21:10 and Cowboys 38:50.
Jeff Heath had another big stop with an interception and 35-yard return in the third quarter sealing the win for Dallas. He is the standard of excellence and effort for the Cowboys’ defensive backfield. He is always around the football and works hard sideline to sideline on every snap.
Leighton Vander Esch had another successful game leading the defense with seven tackles and three assists. He continues to work hard and it is paying off on the field. Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith have been incredible mentors surrounding his growth and transition to the NFL.
Maliek Collins is an underrated player on the defensive line. He secures the inside and had the only solo sack on Blake Bortles. He has the responsibility of holding down the fort and penetrating gaps. He has to break up pass plays or pursue the QB after a read and he did so perfectly tonight. He is an essential piece of the puzzle to the strength of the Cowboys’ defense.
The biggest issue facing the Cowboys is can they keep this momentum going on the road next week as they take on the Redskins in Washington? Their problems offensively surface on the road but hopefully this game will serve as a model for the team moving forward.
