The Dallas Cowboys have a very difficult task ahead of them as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars and one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Inconsistency on offense has led the Cowboys to a 2-3 record and it seems like they will be playing catch-up for a while.
For now, they face yet another “must win” game. Can they get it done against Jalen Ramsey and company? It's certainly possible, but it won't be easy. Aside from desperately wishing they win this football game, I have a few other things written down on my Cowboys Wishlist… I hope you enjoy!
Wish #1: Convert a 4th & 1
Oh… too soon? I apologize.
In all seriousness, though, this will probably be a low scoring game just like last week's matchup against the Houston Texans. If it is, I don't doubt there will probably come a time when the Cowboys need to make a tough decision.
After being criticized all week long, Jason Garrett and the rest of the coaching staff must be aggressive. Falling to a 2-4 record would greatly complicate playoff hopes, even in a struggling NFC East. Since some people on this staff might be coaching for their jobs, they'll probably approach this game with a more aggressive tone.
Even if it means going for it in fourth and one hell of a long yard.
Wish #2: Dak Prescott Outplays Blake Bortles
Another guy who could be on the hot seat if his play doesn't improve is QB Dak Prescott. Two struggling offenses will take the field today and it'll be interesting to see which quarterback walks away victorious and with the better play on the field.
Dak Prescott is facing what could be the best cornerback duo in the league right now. Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye will complicate things for the third-year signal caller and a group of wide receivers that haven't really stepped up.
Wish #3: Get 4+ Sacks
Last week, the Dallas Cowboys were supposed to exploit a weak Texans' offensive line but didn't match those expectations. They get another shot at shining today, this time versus a banged up Jaguars' OL.
DeMarcus Lawrence is the fourth player with most sacks in 2018 and has a nice change of adding more to his name versus Blake Bortles. If this game is to be defined on defense rather than offense, then Dallas needs to get sacks… plenty of them.
Wish #4: Play David Irving More than 15 Snaps
Cowboys' DT David Irving is set to return to the field today, but we don't know exactly how much he'll be used. Coming from a four week suspension, Irving had something to say about his playing time.
Irving said the coaches want to play him 10-15 snaps Sunday. "That's what they say now but if it's a close game, I know good and well Marinelli is going to be sending me out there & putting me through the ringer. I'm ready for it."
— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) October 12, 2018
I hope he's right. This would only mean that he's in shape and ready to play some real football, a sport in which, all off-field issues aside, the kid is pretty good at. We'll have to wait and see how much snaps he gets, but if the Cowboys want to pressure Bortles, #95 better be on the field just about every passing down.
Wish #5: Win The Turnover Battle
As it has been discussed all week, these offenses haven't played well through five weeks of the season. In a game as close as this one is expected to be, turnovers might be the name of the game. This is an area where the Cowboys' haven't shined very much, but they have what it takes to win this aspect of the game.
First of all, the offense takes care of the ball. even with four interceptions under his name, all of these have bounced off the hands or chests of wide receivers. Plus, the defense has proven to be efficient. If they are able to rush the passer, they could be able to force Bortles into making mistakes.
