Behind Enemy Lines

Presented by

Behind Enemy Lines: An Inside Look at the Dallas Cowboys

Nov 03, 2018 at 01:02 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night at AT&T Stadium.

Here's a look at the Cowboys:

Record: 3-4.

Last game: Lost at Washington, 20-17.

Points for/against: 20.0 ppg/17.6 ppg.

NFL rankings:

Offense: 28th overall, 320.0 ypg (4th rushing, 28th passing).

Defense: 3rd overall, 313.7 ypg (9th rushing, 4th passing).

Head coach: Jason Garrett.

TEAM LEADERS:

Offense:

QB: Dak Prescott (128-of-206, 1,417 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT, 87.4 rating).

Top RBs: Ezekiel Elliott (132 rush, 619 yards, 3 TDs), Prescott (40 rush, 236 yards, 1 TD).

Top WRs: Amari Cooper (22 catches, 280 yards, 1 TD), Cole Beasley (33 catches, 350 yards, 2 TDs), Allen Hurns (13 catches, 158 yards, 1 TD).

TE: Geoff Swaim (19 catches 205 yards, 1 TD).

Defense:

Sacks: DE DeMarcus Lawrence (5.5).

Leading tackler: LB Leighton Vander Esch (65).

Interceptions: SS Jeff Heath (1), FS Xavier Woods (1).

Take/Give: minus-2.

Kicker: Brett Maher (16-18 FGs).

Punter: Chris Jones (44.5 net).

Last meeting: September 14, 2014: Cowboys 26, Titans 10.

Titans connections:

-Cowboys defensive tackle Antwaun Woods played with the Titans after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

-Cowboys center Joe Looney played for the Titans in 2015.

-Cowboys guard Xavier Su'a-Filo spent 2018 training camp with the Titans.

-Cowboys defensive assistant Ken Amato played long snapper for the Titans from 2003-2011.

-Cowboys assistant special teams coach Doug Colman spent the 1999 season with the Titans, and was one of the 11 players on the field for the Music City Miracle.

Injury Report

-WR Tavon Austin (Groin)

-DE Randy Gregory (Knee)

-G Zack Martin (Knee)

-TE Geoff Swaim (Knee)

-LB Joe Thomas (Foot)

-DL David Irving (Ankle)

-CB Chidobe Awuzie (Anke)

Titans coach Mike Vrabel on what jumps out on film when watching the Cowboys:

"Well, they're No. (3) in defense. They've got a great defensive line. They've got guys that are long on the edges that are active. They've got a unique three-technique, who is very long. He's not a big, powerful guy per se, from a 320-pounder, like some of the guys that we've played. But, he's got great length, he spins, he's a unique skillset in (Tyrone) Crawford. (David) Irving is tough to handle. Woodsy (Antwaun Woods) is playing good for them, he's playing tough in there. Taco Charlton, and obviously Demarcus Lawrence, he's great. They've got great linebackers, good scheme, sound scheme, so it's going to be a challenge. They're second in the league in defense, and scoring, and they're really good in the red zone."

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota:

"I think he is a really talented football player. Obviously, he was a great college player and was drafted high, and I think you see all the reasons why every time he goes and plays. He's a fantastic athlete, makes so many plays with his feet. He's a very calm and composed player, and handles a lot of different situations very well, both in the pocket, when he's out on the move. He can throw wherever he needs to throw it. He's a big-time player and challenge every time the ball snaps."

1 / 95

Donn Jones

2 / 95

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, left, talks with quarterback Steve McNair on the sideline during the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002 in a game with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas won, 21-13. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin)

3 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

4 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

5 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

6 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

7 / 95

Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (22) is hit by Tennessee Titans defensive end Jaqua Thomas (94) as Cowboys fullback Robert Thomas (44) defends in the third quarter Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002 in Irving, Texas. Dallas won, 21-13. (AP Photo/Steve Hamm)

8 / 95

Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck (89) stands all alone in the end zone as he pulls in a one-yard touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin)

9 / 95

Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) grimmaces after being sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis (98) for the second time in the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002 in Irving, Texas. Dallas won, 21-13. (AP Photo/Steve Hamm)

10 / 95

Dallas Cowboys running back Eddie George (27) is grabed by Tennessee Titans' Rocky Calmus (54) during the first quarter of pre-season play in Irving, Texas, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

11 / 95

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyrone Calico (87) lands with the receiption under Dallas Cowboys defender Tony Dixon (24) in the first quarter of pre-season play in Irving, Texas, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

12 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys Preseason 8.30.04

Donn Jones/Donn Jones

13 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys Preseason 8.30.04

Donn Jones/Donn Jones

14 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

15 / 95

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) prepares to pass during the a pre-season NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Irving, Texas, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Tony Gutierrez

16 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

17 / 95

Titans vs. Cowboys-A-91502

18 / 95

Dallas Cowboys running back Eddie George (27) hugs former teammate Tennessee Titans' Brad Hopkins (72) after their pre-season game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. The Cowboys won 20-17. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

19 / 95

FILE Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) drops back to pass as teammate Benji Olson (75) looks to block Dallas Cowboys' Leonardo Carson (91) in Irving, Texas, Aug. 30, 2004. McNair said Friday, April 8, 2005 that he will return for his 11th season after an injured sternum plagued him for most of 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

20 / 95

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (19) is wrapped up by Tennessee Titans safety Tank Williams (27) after the reception in the first quarter of pre-season play in Irving, Texas, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)