Even with the Cowboys' recent stumbles and uncertainty at the quarterback position, Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London should be the easiest matchup of the season.
Apologies in advance to Jacksonville fans, because there is no sugar-coating how bad the Jaguars' roster is.
1. Jaguars Offense
Jacksonville does have a talented young core of offensive skill position players. Quarterback Blake Bortles, running back Denard Robinson and their top 4 wide receivers should make their fans optimistic about the team’s future.
In the present, however, the Cowboys' defense will probably have their best game of the season because the Jaguars’ offense is terrible, ranked last in the NFL in points per game (15.7) and 29th in yards per play (5.0).
Most of their ineptitude is based on the pass their passing game, which ranks 30th in passer rating (74.2). Bortles still looks confused by complex coverage schemes, but it doesn’t help that his offensive line leads the league in sacks allowed with 35. Jacksonville's line is particularly weak inside, so look for defensive tackle Henry Melton to have a big game.
2. WRs Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams
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Jacksonville’s defensive front is legit, ranking third in the NFL with 27 sacks, but their linebackers and secondary are woefully untalented.
The Jaguars’ opponents have an aggregate passer rating of 95.7 this season (ninth worst in the league), which is the main reason they rank 30th in scoring defense at 27.9 points per game.
If wide receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams are on your fantasy team, start them. No team has given up more big pass plays (20+ yards) than Jacksonville’s 38 this season. They'll both have opportunities for deep passes with a little help from...
3. RBs DeMarco Murray, Lance Dunbar
Because of Jacksonville's tenacious defensive line and the Cowboys' quarterback issues, the offense will have to revolve around the running backs.
The talented Dallas offensive line will definitely have its hands full with the Jaguars defensive line. The best way to slow an aggressive front, though, just happens to be the Cowboys' strength, so look for a heavy dose of stretch zone runs and screens to slow the Jaguars.
Bottom Line
The Cowboys have stumbled a bit the last two weeks, but Sunday’s game is the perfect rebound situation. While there is hope for the future in Jacksonville, not much is going well for them this season. Their lack of talent in all phases of the game likely means the Cowboys are their own biggest opponent.
