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Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys: 5 X-factors for Wild Card Round

By Randy Gurzi

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at CenturyLink Field on September 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at CenturyLink Field on September 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 30: Blake Jarwin #89 of the Dallas Cowboys runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 30: Blake Jarwin #89 of the Dallas Cowboys runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

5. Blake Jarwin, TE, Dallas Cowboys

We know the Cowboys are going to run the ball with Ezekiel Elliott — and he will probably finish the game with 20-plus touches. That’s the given. They’re also going to target Amari Cooper, and hope to get him involved early. That’s what happens when you have a legitimate No. 1 wideout like he is.

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But if they want to get past their tough opponent in the Wild Card Round, they’re going to need some help from others as well. The biggest X-Factor in the passing game for them in that endeavor will be tight end Blake Jarwin, who ended up having a decent season following a slow start. And Jarwin is also coming off his greatest game ever.

Working against the New York Giants, Jarwin found plenty of open space to make plays. He not only caught his first career touchdown, but he ended up with three on the day. His final stat line included seven receptions for 117 yards and he was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

In their game against the Seahawks, Dallas is going to need Jarwin to continue to provide a receiving threat over the middle. Doing so backs the safeties off and opens things up even more for players like Cooper, Elliott, and even Cole Beasley to do their thing.

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