Exploring Ambitions and Risks in Fourth-down Strategies

WHO:

dallascowboys.com - Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer of the Dallas Cowboys.

jaguars.com - Head Coach Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

jaguars.com - Quarterback Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

jaguars.com - Running back Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

jaguars.com - Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. as a restricted free agent.

WHAT:

jaguars.com - The Jaguars in the last nine games of the 2026 season averaged about 10 yards less per game rushing without Trevor Lawrence's rushing yards compared to the first nine games, removing Lawrence's yards.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars ran for more than 100 yards in 11 of 18 games, including the postseason, during the 2026 season.

dallascowboys.com - The Cowboys converted 22 out of 35 fourth-down attempts in 2025, ranking third in the NFL for conversions.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars averaged about 10 yards less per game rushing in the last nine games of the 2026 season without Trevor Lawrence's rushing yards compared to the first nine games.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars finished fifth in the NFL with 22 regular-season rushing touchdowns.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars led the NFL with 45 dropped passes last season, according to Pro Football Reference.

WHERE:

jaguars.com - The Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars also play at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

WHEN:

jaguars.com - Jaguars 2026 Training Camp is scheduled to begin July 28 at the Miller Electric Center, with rookies and quarterbacks reporting July 25.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars are focused on improving their running efficiency entering the 2026 Training Camp.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars' rushing game statistics were compared over the first and last nine games of the 2026 season.

WHY:

jaguars.com - The Jaguars are focused on improving their running efficiency, believing that adding running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. as a restricted free agent will help in this area.

dallascowboys.com - The high number of fourth-down attempts by the Cowboys in 2025 was attributed to Schottenheimer's lack of trust in the defense and the high-quality offensive talent available.

jaguars.com - Liam Coen's aggressive playcalling approach is influenced by analytics and the belief that going for it on fourth down leads to long-term success.

HOW:

dallascowboys.com - The Cowboys' offense was ranked second in the NFL for total offense in 2025.

dallascowboys.com - The Cowboys averaged 5.9 yards per play, which supported their decision to attempt fourth downs, especially when within three yards.

jaguars.com - The Jaguars' offensive strategy under Coen involves a focus on analytics to determine when to attempt fourth downs.

The Jaguars are set to kick off their 2026 Training Camp on July 28 at the Miller Electric Center, with rookies and quarterbacks reporting a few days earlier on July 25. Last season, the team averaged about 10 yards less per game rushing in the last nine games without Trevor Lawrence's contributions, though they still managed to rush for over 100 yards in 11 of their 18 games, including the postseason. To enhance their running game, the Jaguars are bringing in running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. as a restricted free agent, hoping to boost their efficiency on the ground.