The Jaguars win in Nashville for the 1st time in 9 years

Jaguars Get Routed By Lions

 

Well, this was a left turn from the previous week, wasn't it? A week in which the Jaguars stormed back in dramatic fashion to beat the Baltimore Ravens. A game that had some Jags fans asking whether or not we just witnessed the arrival of Trevor Lawrence. Fast forward to this week in which the Jaguars found themselves down big in the first half. The Jaguars were down 23 - 6 in the first half and the Lions would also receive the second half kickoff to make things worse. The team just looked relatively flat comparted to past weeks. They had difficulties establishing the running game even with the return of Travis Etienne, they had trouble establishing the passing game as well. Zay Jones also seemed to come out flat having several dropped passes in the first half after having an amazing game last week. Although the defense gave up big plays last week, there bend not break mentality gave the Jags a chance to win the game at the end. This week the defense seemed worse; they allowed the Detroit Lions to score on every possession in the first half which is simply unacceptable. The worse part of the disastrous first half was the loss of Trevor Lawrence. Trying to get the team in field goal range before the half, Trevor drops back and is sacked on his blind side by James Houston. His right leg gets rolled up under the defender and at first glance it looked really bad. He stayed down while the medical staff checked him out as all of Jag's nation held their breath. He would eventually get up and walk to the locker room under his own power. He showed up late to the second half but would return. 

Jaguars Get Huge Win Led By Trevor Lawrence 4th Quarter Heroics

 

I can't believe what I just witnessed from the jaguars today. Did that really just happen? I think I've just seen the greatest game in Jacksonville Jaguars' history. Fresh off the bye week the Jags put together their most impressive win of the season. This game was filled with emotions from start to finish. Beginning in the first quarter with Travis Etienne going down with a foot injury. Having traded James Robinson a few weeks ago the running load landed on Jamel Hastings shoulders. Although he isn't equivalent to Etienne, he did a decent job. Today's real star was Trevor Lawrence who arguably played the best game of his young career. Lawrence went 29 for 37 for 321 yards 3 touchdowns and no interception with a quarterback rating of 129.8. Lawrence looked nothing less than special today. He wouldn't let the team lose. He fought back every time the Ravens took the lead back, but he never let it phase him. He put the team on his back and led them to a victory when they needed it most. I feel like in the future when we're talking about the evolution of Trevor Lawrence this will be the game that we refer to as his coming out party. This game was a nail bitter from start to finish. After the game, Trevor Lawrence now has 16 touchdowns to 6 interceptions on the season opposed to 12 touchdowns 17 interception from his rookie season. He even showed growth in his decision making. There was a play in the red zone where Trevor rolled out to his right looking for a receiver. In past post I've voiced my frustrations with this rollout pass play because two of Trevor's 6 picks have been thrown on this play. Sunday, he rolled out to the right looking for a receiver but when he didn't see anyone, he simply threw it away out the back of the endzone which to me shows maturity. There was no other quarterback in the NFL that could have orchestrated those 4th quarter drives any better than Lawrence did Sunday. Going 15 - 19 for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to lead the Jags to a victory against a 7 -3 playoff bound team, I think it's safe to say that Jaguars nation has their franchise quarterback.

I don't think some fans understand the significance of this win. Coming into the game the Baltimore Ravens had only trailed opponents for 62 minutes the entire season which led the NFL, and the Jaguars had the lead several times during this contest. Trevor Lawrence wasn't the only player that had the game of their life, Zay Jones had a monster game against the Balitmore Ravens. Zay Jones had 11 receptions for 145 yards. He really showed up big for Lawrence and the team on Sunday, keeping drives alive and really showing big on 3rd downs and just seemed to be all over the field making plays. Zay Jones also caught the game winning 2-point conversion that doesn't count as a touchdown on the stat sheet, but it should. This is also Zay Jones's second 11 reception game of the season. He had a similar performance earlier this year against the Los Angeles Chargers with 10 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jones now on the year has 58 catches for 562 yards and a touchdown on the season which is a career high in receptions and he's closing in on his career high in receiving yards which he'll surely eclipse this season barring injury. Pairing Jones with Kirk and the arrival of Calvin Ridely next season has the Jaguars receiver room looking stronger than it has in years maybe ever. 

It's hard to focus on the negative after such a positive performance but there defiantly were a few. One thing that really stood out was Mike Caldwell's defense. Now before I say anything negative about the defense, I will highlight that they held the Balitmore Ravens to several field goals in the red zone which is what allowed the offense to have a chance at the end to win the game, but they nearly cost us the game as well. Noticeable standout defenders form the win were Foyesade Oluokun, who had an impressive 18 tackles, 13 of which were solo and two were tackles for losses. He seemed to be making plays the entire game, just flying all over the field. Another standout defender was Andrew Wingard who forced a fumble that was recovered by Tyson Cambell which led to a field goal that would help propel the Jags to victory. Although the defense made plays in pivotal points of the game, we have some work to do in the secondary which is something I've mentioned before. DeSean Jackson turned back the clock on us. At 35 years old how does DeSean Jackson get behind the defense for a 62-yard catch? Thats just something you can't allow to happen if you're the Jags defense and if your Mike Caldwell you have to be concerned. Something else that I've mentioned before is the simple fact that we can't get to the quarterback. All be it; we played the greatest running quarterback this game has ever seen but we have to get to the quarterback. Our pass rush started off the season strong but has fell off tremendously. If I'm the coaching staff, I'm starting to question Josh Allen and his future with this squad. Trevon Walker is a rookie that has struggled as of late but a rookie, nonetheless. Allen has been here for years but has just simply underperformed.

There were more controversial decisions made in the game that left fans with more questions than answers. One was the choice to go for the 2-point conversion rather than to kick the extra point and take our chances in overtime. Maybe Doug Peterson didn't have confidence that his defense couldn't have stopped the Baltimore Ravens in overtime especially after allowing the elderly Jackson to catch a 62-yard bomb just the drive before. Regardless, the choice to attempt the two-point conversion instead of kicking the extra point and tying up the game was extremely risky. Although the decision worked out for the best it goes without saying that it was a dangerous roll of the dice. Another questionable call came after the go-ahead 2-point conversion was successful and Doug Petterson decided to squib quick the football during the kickoff. This was concerning because of the kicker on the Balitmore sideline. Thier kicker is Justin Tucker, who is arguably the greatest kicker in NFL history. The squib kick gave the ravens uncomfortable field position that gave Tucker a game winning field goal attempt at the end of the game. Although it fell short it was a kittle to close for comfort for Jags fans.

Looking ahead to next week the Jaguars travel to the 4 - 7 Detroit Lions. A team that is very similar to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only do they share a similar record, but the lions defense leaves a lot to be desired. I fully expect this game to be very high scoring game given that both defenses can't really stop opposing offenses. With a win over the Lions and a loss by the Titans (who the Jaguars have yet to play this season) the division race can get very interesting. As far as the status of Travis Etienne injury, it was reported that he was held out the remaining of the game as simply a precaution, so I fully expect him to be ready for next week's game in Detroit. All in all, what a win for Trevor and the Jaguars and I personally couldn't have been prodder. Now let's go get Detroit! Let's go Jags!

Jags fall to 3-7 after disappointing loss to Chiefs

 

Can someone please explain what just happened today in Kansas City? I understand we were playing one of the best talents the game has ever seen in Patrick Mahomes but what was that? This game sticks out immediately. This has to be the worst game the Jaguars have played all season long. Every loss this season before today game was all by one possession. So, what happened today? Not only that, in every one of those one possession losses, the Jaguars had the lead at some point in the game. Not today. The Jaguars didn't even get on the board until Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offence scored 20 unanswered points. This one just feels different from the rest of the games we've played this season. Today's game was a great opportunity to measure ourselves against one of the league's most dominant teams. A team that is post season bond and let's be honest, playing in playoff mode right now. Yet, the Jaguars completely botched numerous chances to take control of the game from a momentum standpoint. 

Doug Peterson made a gutsy move stating the game off with an onside kick. I don't think anyone saw that play coming, especially to start the game. Getting the opening possession to start the game and to start the second half was a brilliant move. I appreciate the aggressiveness of Doug Peterson, but I would much rather the aggressiveness result in points. Even after the clever onside kick, the Jaguars had the ball for all of about 90 seconds before they were punting the ball to Kansas City. Another missed opportunity to put some points on the board early. The Jaguars were also a bit out of there element in Kansas City. When the team left Jacksonville, the temperature outside was 80 degrees outside. Stepping out on the field today the temperature was 35 degrees with the wind chill it felt more like 25degrees. It's time to address the Jaguars secondary. A secondary that was shredded by Derek Carr and Davonte Adams in the first half just a week ago, had Patrick Mahomes to deal with this week. Mahomes entered today's game averaging 325.6 passing yards per game which leads the NFL and is also his personal career high.  Needless to say, our secondary was taken to the woodshed.

Several throws that Mahomes made in the first half were to wide open receivers. It's as if there isn't a defender within 5 yards of the receiver on some of these catches. Kadarius Toney couldn't have asked for an easier first career touchdown. After motioning to the right side no one picks him up and he just bunny hops into the endzone. This defense has to get better. What happened to Josh Allen? Somone should tell him that he's in a contract season and that he has something to prove. I can't see a reason to pay him long term money if he continues and this trajectory. Travin Walker has also been relatively quiet as of late. We have to be able to get to the quarter back, it's just that simple. We can't just pressure the quarter back we have to get them on the ground. We need some sacks. 

We may also need a kicker after today's embarrassment. Rieley Patterson single handily destroyed the Jags momentum on more than one occasion. He missed several crucial kicks in today's game. With 46 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, the Jaguars got the ball back after an impressive return by Agnew to set them up with good field position. The Jags run 5 plays for 61 yards capped off by a touchdown from Trevor Lawrence to Christian Kirk for the score with 11 seconds left on the clock. The next opening kickoff there is a forced fumble that the Jaguars recovered in Chiefs territory. I couldn't believe it. What a change of events. From 20 points deficit to 10 points in 11 seconds, plus the Jags get the ball back to start the half. I was through the roof. Then out comes Patterson to send a kick up in the air that sails left. I was sick to my stomach. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jags held kicker tryouts this week.

At this point in the game the score could easily be 20 - 13 if the Jags capitalized on all there scoring opportunities. Which is a much more manageable game. Trevor Lawrence had a pretty decent game today. He went 29/40 for 259 yards 2 TD's 0 INT. With a passer rating of 106.1 which is impressive given the hits and sacks that he took against that Kansa City pass rush. Coming out of the half the Jags strung together a nice drive that took over 9 minutes off the clock but ultimately only ended with 3 points after Cam Robbinson penalty wipes away an Ingram touchdown catch. We have to learn how to put the ball in the in zone, Travis Etienne was held relatively in check today. After several consecutive 100-yard games he ended today's game with only 45 yards on 11 carries. If only we had a power downhill runner to ground and pound the football when Etienne needs a breather. Oh, that's right, we did but we traded him away in the middle of the night for a bag of M&M's.

Doug Petterson played for Andy Ried as a quarter back when he was a player which adds a different dynamic to this game. If Petterson was using this game as a measuring stick to his old mentor, this showed that there is still more to learn. After today's game the Jaguars look ahead to their bye week. Unlike most teams that look forward to the bye week to get healthy, the Jaguars have been relatively healthy this year with no major injuries. So, this week should be a mental reset for the team, take some time to regroup and realize what they need to do to right the ship after their worse loss of the season. Coming out of the bye week the Jags look ahead to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. With the speed of Jackson, the Jaguars need to be prepared for the plays that he can extend with his legs. 

 

Jags Snap 5 Game Skid With Comeback Win At Home

Victory formation for Jags nation this week as the Jaguars snap a 5-game losing streak with a hard-fought comeback win against the Las Vagas Raders. This just may have been the most important win of the season for the Jaguars. After coming home after a disappointing loss to the lack luster Broncos in London last week the Jaguars needed to show some heart at home to keep the fan base invested. They did exactly that. After falling into a 17-0 hole early in the first half. the Jaguars rally back in the second half to take the lead. The defense really stepped up in a big way in the second half of this game by holding the Raiders to just 3 points in the second half after allowing 17 points early in the game. After a few three and out and a turnover on downs really help repeal the Jaguars to victory. Today's game made us proud to be Jaguars fans. After falling behind early I never saw a bit of quit in the demeanors of the players and coaches. They simply stuck to the game plan and slowly chipped away at the lead until we came all the way back to take the lead. 

Trevor Lawrence played a solid game today as well. Going 25/31 for 235 yards 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions with a passer rating of 109.0. He took care of the football and kept his eyes down field despite having some untouched defender flying at him. Trevor was hit a few times but was not sacked today which is credit to the offensive line for keeping him up right and allowing him to deliver some very crucial passes late in the game. Trevor also used his legs in today's game running the ball very effectively recording his career high in rushing with 53 yards on the ground. Travis Etienne has shown that he is meant to be the starter for this team. After recording yet another 100-yard game which marks his 3rd 100-yard game with at least a touchdown. A feat that has not been reached since Jaguars legend, Fred Taylor. Etienne ran for 109 yards for 2 touchdowns on 28 carries adding another 17 yards on 2 receptions. Fans were concerned after the trading of running back James Robbinson a few weeks ago but Etienne is proving that the coaching staff was right with his recent performances. 

Dave Caldwell deserves a lot of credit with his second half adjustments on Devante Adams. After torching the Jaguars defense in the first half for 2 touchdowns, Adams was relatively nonexistent in the second half due to crucial adjustments. This was a collective effort in every phase of this game. From offence to the defense to the special teams. Special teams really gave the offense a boost coming out of the half with a 52-yard punt return by Jamal Agnew that was capped off with a touchdown. The team had Derek Carr out of his comfort zone by moving him out of the pocket and sacking him twice. Dawuane Smoot recorded both sacks in today's game and was the only pass rusher to get to Carr today. One would argue that Smoot needs more snaps considering that he is quietly becoming the best pass rusher on the roster although he isn't a starter. 

This pivotal win comes on the heels of the acquisition of Calvin Ridley from the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week who is currently serving a suspension for betting on an NFL game. The acquisition of Ridely proves that the new coaching regime has plans that exceeds the parameters of this single season but is a long-time plan to rebuild this team form the inside out. Ridely has proven with his time with the Falcons that he has the capability to take the top off the defense and give Lawrence a deep threat that he has been void of in his time here in Jacksonville. This makes this win that much better now that the fans can see that there is a clear vision for the future. 

After this game snaps a 5-game losing streak Jaguars fans should appreciate this Win as the Jaguars prepare to head to Kansas City and prepare for the Chiefs who play tonight on Sunday night football. I'm sure the Jaguars will be tuned in to scout the upcoming performance as we all will. Let's enjoy this Win Jags nation and appreciate the turning point in our history as we prepare to make the leap to elite status as we finally have direction and leadership at the head coach position that gives me hope for our future that  haven't had in quite some time. Let's go! As the Jaguars defeat the Las Vagas Raders 27 - 20. 

Jaguars fall to 2-6 after loss to Broncos at Wimbley Stadium

 At the beginning of this NFL season, if someone had told me that the Jacksonville Jaguars would have started the year 2-1 fresh off of a season in which the team only won three games the entire year, I would've thought you were crazy. A season in which the league implemented an extra game mind you, making it the longest regular season in the league's history, the Jaguars managed to win merely 3 games. After starting the 2022-2023 season 2-1, some Jaguars fans believed that brighter days were ahead. Boy were we wrong. After two consecutive wins, both in the form of two dominating performances, the Jacksonville Jaguars have managed to lose 5 consecutive games after a loss today at Wimbley Stadium in London to the Denver Broncos 21-17.

 Today's loss leaves the Jags currently sitting in 3rd place in the AFC South division at an abysmal 2-6 record. Today's loss marks the 6th loss this season by 8 points or fewer which in my opinion, makes this current losing streak sting that much more. Today's game started out like most of the previous games this season for the Jaguars, they come out in the first quarter strong then fall off tremendously in the second quarter. They follow that up by coming out strong after halftime just to vanish in the 4th quarters. Coming into today's game the Jags are +63 in points differential against opponents in the 1st and 3rd quarters which leads the entire NFL. In the 2nd and 4th quarters, they are -45 which is the 2nd worst in the league. That alone is the definition of inconsistency. Can anyone say Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Trevor Lawrence's performance left a lot to be desired. Going 18/31 (58%) for 133 yards 1 TD 2 INT and a fumble with a passer rating of 52.2. Both interceptions came at two pivotal moments of the contest. The first was on a roll out to the right in which Trevor threw it directly to Justin Simmons as if he was wearing a Jaguars uniform. Which was very similar to an interception he threw in week 5 to Derek Stigley.

The second was the most egregious for the simple fact that it sealed the Jaguars fate. With 1:43 remaining in the 4th quarter with the Jaguars trailing by 4, Trevor attempts to hit Christian Kirk and is intercepted by K'Wuan Williams that sealed the loss for the Jags. For the Jaguars to become the team we believed they were at the start of the season it begins and ends with Trevor Lawrence and his ability to take care of the football.

The one bright spot in this fading season is the emergence of Travis Etienne as the future back for the organization. The Jaguars made headlines last week when they traded their starting running back James Robinson to the New York Jets for a conditional 6th round pick. A decision that left most Jags fans scratching their heads after Robinson ran for 2177 yards for the franchise with 18 touchdowns 4 touchdown receptions and 612 receiving yards in 35 career games. Clearly the coaching staff saw potential and felt it necessary to give him the room to grow with sharing carries with Robinson. Etienne entered today's game averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Etienne has proven he can be the focal point of an offence especially after today's impressive performance in London where he ran for 156 yards on 24 carries averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. After a Lisfranc injury kept him on the sideline for his entire rookie campaign, Etienne looks hungry to show what he can do. As the most explosive offensive weapon on the team look for him to become more dynamic in the weeks to come as I believe Doug Peterson and Press Taylor will find new and creative ways to get him the ball in space.

On the defensive side of the ball however, Tyson Campbell is proving to be one of the better young corners in the game today. The #33 overall pick has shown physicality and poise at the corner back position. Physicality that Jags fan have missed at the position since the departure of Jaylen Ramsey in 2019. Campbell had an early interception in today's game as Russel Wilson attempted to hit Courtland Sutton. The interception set up a scoring drive that ended with an Evan Ingram touchdown reception that put the Jaguars up 7 in the 1st quarter. A lead that would quickly evaporate.

The loss leaves the team with more questions than answers. Where do we go from here? Are we now in a complete rebuild situation? I think I speak for all Jags fans when I say we are sick and tired of rebuilding. Although I'm sure the idea has been floating through the front office the last few weeks and this current loss may have just solidified it. Rumor has it that teams have reached out to Jaguars regarding linebacker Josh Allen. With the trade deadline quickly approaching could he be the next one on the chopping block? I suppose only time will tell. Regardless, it looks like it's going to be another long season for Jags Nation. Better buckle up.