Key area the Dallas Cowboys need to protect on gameday
The Dallas Cowboys (10-3) can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win on Sunday. Making it the first time since 2006-07 the Cowboys will be in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. To get there, they will need to take on the hot Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8). Winners of three of their last five, and […]
The Dallas Cowboys (10-3) can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win on Sunday. Making it the first time since 2006-07 the Cowboys will be in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
To get there, they will need to take on the hot Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8). Winners of three of their last five, and only two games behind the Tennessee Titans for first place in the AFC South.
While much of the eyes will be on the Jaguars side will be on Trevor Lawrence, special attention must be paid to a familiar face.
The Jaguars have a very underrated three-headed monster at wide receiver with Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Marvin Jones. However, the player the Cowboys defense needs to play the hardest needs to be TE Evan Engram.
Engram is having his best season since his rookie year. Third on the team in targets (74), with 53 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Leading the team with 71.6% catch percentage among players with 50+ targets.
16 catches for 192 yards and three touchdowns coming in the last two contests.
While the Dallas Cowboys defense is only allowing 4.5 catches for just under 35 yards a game to opposing tight ends, it's a lot worse once expanded.
Upon film review, this season the Cowboys still show struggles in coverage against the tight end position. Often, opposing QB’s feel heavy pressure from the Cowboys pass rush, with an open TE. Many times, the QB will also miss an open TE or even overthrow the player, leaving yards on the board.
Most of the time, safeties Jayron Kearse or Donovan Wilson are the main players who are in coverage on tight ends. Allowing 0 touchdowns and under 200 combined receiving yards to the position.
The real mismatch is when the tight end is split out and covered by DB DaRon Bland in the slot or lined up on the line of scrimmage, putting a linebacker like Leighton Vander Esch, Damone Clark or Anthony Barr in coverage. Most of the big plays from the tight end position came in these situations.
Engram knows the Cowboys and the Cowboys know Engram. However, this year's version of Engram has a much more accurate quarterback throwing his way and doesn't miss those open chances to one of his most valuable targets.
If either safety is out of position from Engram, that will be the most likely area Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville offense use to move the needle.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
