3 Cowboys players who need a big game against the Jaguars

Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texansat AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texansat AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 11: Kelvin Joseph #1 of the Dallas Cowboys watches play during the second of a game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /

1. Kelvin Joseph

On 105.3thefan last week, Jerry Jones acknowledged that it’s time for Kelvin Joseph “to become a man.” With injuries to Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown, the Cowboys have needed players like Joseph and DaRon Bland to step up.

Last week, Joseph played 40 snaps and allowed four catches on five targets for 69 yards, according to PFF. He did have a nice pass breakup in the fourth quarter on a 3rd & 7 to allow a Texans punt.

Joseph will surely need to step up in the secondary this season to help Dallas make a deep playoff push. Between the off-field issues and limited playing time so far in his career, the former Kentucky cornerback hasn’t lived up to his second-round value.

But now is the time for Joseph to show his talent on the field. He’s going to have a tough matchup lining up against A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith on Christmas Eve and more difficult matchups to come in the playoffs.

This Jaguars game is as good a chance as any for the young cornerback to continue to develop in a game facing receivers like Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Marvin Jones Jr.