A few thoughts on the Jacksonville Jaguars' 31-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Wembley Stadium in London.
What it means: This was no different than the team's last trip to London -- an embarrassing beatdown filled with mistakes, poor tackling, and the inability to stop the run. The latter isn't that surprising considering DeMarco Murray is the NFL's leading rusher and the Cowboys' offensive line has opened holes for him all season, but the poor tackling is an issue that comes and goes and hadn't been a problem in the last several weeks. When you add the continuous stream of mistakes -- such as muffing a punt and giving up a touchdown, allowing Dez Bryant to get free for a 68-yard touchdown late in the first half, and throwing another red zone interception -- the Jaguars eliminate the slim margin of error they have. The Jaguars have to play darn near perfect football, plus get a couple of turnovers, to beat good teams like the Cowboys. The Jaguars keep making it harder on themselves.
Stock watch: The Jaguars came into the game No. 3 in the NFL in sacks (27) but Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's jersey was nearly as clean after the game as it was during warmups. The Jaguars rarely pressured him and hardly touched him -- hitting him four times and sacking him just once. Even when the Jaguars did bring extra pass-rushers, the Dallas offensive line picked it up and that gave Romo time to pick the secondary apart (20-for-27, 246 yards, three touchdowns).
Turnover changes game: It's unusual that a first-quarter play can decide a game, but that's what appeared to happen. The Jaguars had a pretty impressive start, driving 80 yards for a touchdown to take a 7-3 lead after their first possession. The defense forced the punt and it looked like the Jaguars had a bit of momentum going -- until Ace Sanders muffed the punt. C.J. Spillman recovered the ball at the Jacksonville 6-yard line, and three plays later, Romo hit Jason Witten for a touchdown and a 10-7 lead. That was the first of 28 consecutive points by the Cowboys.
Game ball: Receiver Cecil Shorts was pretty much the Jaguars' only weapon in the passing game. He caught five passes for 119 yards, with most of those receptions coming on short or intermediate passes and Shorts gaining yards after the catch. He ended up leaving the game in the fourth quarter after a brutal hit by safety J.J. Wilcox.
What's next: The Jaguars have a bye week before playing at Indianapolis on Nov. 23.
