Four takeaways: How will Jaguars respond to dreadful showing in Philly?
The Jaguars went to Philadelphia with a chance to come home tied for the best record in the NFL. Instead, after building a 14-0 lead, they gave the game away, losing to the Eagles 29-21. Here are my four biggest takeaways from the game:
Four takeaways: Defense shines, season gets a boost with win
The Jaguars shocked the NFL world in a 9-6 win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday at TIAA Bank Field. The Jaguars’ defense forced three turnovers, more their total from the previous seven games combined (two). Here are my four biggest takeaways from the game.
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Preseason questions for Jaguars: Secondary, running backs and Minshew’s future
We continue our weeklong look at the biggest questions facing the Jaguars as the 2021 season approaches. This week, how the secondary looks to improve with a handful of new faces, how James Robinson and Travis Etienne will be used together and what the future holds for Gardner Minshew.
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Jaguars heading toward franchise tag on OT Cam Robinson
Jaguars offensive lineman Cam Robinson practices in the pouring rain before facing the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars are set to use their franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson. [Offensive line coach] George Warhop feels very strong about his future and the development. Meyer said that he feels strongly about the offensive line, especially the interior of the unit. “I see him being part of the Jaguars and I want him to be part of the Jaguars,” Meyer said.
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Rookie of the year finalist James Robinson looking forward to new look Jaguars
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After one of the best seasons for an undrafted rookie ever, James Robinson is looking for bigger and better things in his second year in the NFL. But first, Robinson will wait to find out if he is the winner of the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award. Robinson is one of five finalists for the award, which will be announced as part of the NFL Honors show on Saturday. TWEET to vote: #PepsiROY + Player Name/Twitter handle pic.twitter.com/CPbkolY7H1 — NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2021Just like his simple but effective approach to his rookie season, Robinson is not getting too fired up about the possibility of winning the award. His 1,414 scrimmage yards are the most by an undrafted rookie in NFL history.
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Jaguars RB James Robinson lands on season-ending all-rookie team
Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson, right, gains yardage as he tires to get past Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars running back James Robinson has landed on his first all-rookie team. The undrafted free agent was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie squad on Tuesday afternoon. The undrafted rookie from Illinois State was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in September after a stellar start to the season. Robinson put his name in the conversation as the top undrafted rookie running back ever. Robinson is also in the running for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year.
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Jaguars RB Robinson in the mix for top rookie honor
James Robinson of the Jacksonville Jaguars carries the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars running back James Robinson has made the cut for a season-ending top rookie award. The undrafted rookie from Illinois State was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in September after a stellar start to the season. Robinson put his name in the conversation as the top undrafted rookie running back ever. A Jacksonville rookie has never claimed any top rookie award.
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Colts focused on playoffs as Jags look to future in Week 17
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS – Colts coach Frank Reich made one thing perfectly clear this week. The Browns, Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens are all 10-5, like the Colts, but are ahead of Indy based on tiebreakers. Will Holden, who replaced Castonzo last week, has been ruled out this week with a knee injury. DEFENSIVE DEMISEThe Colts appear to be a virtual lock to score 24 points for the eighth consecutive week. The only time it held an opponent to fewer than 24 points this season was the Week 1 win over Indy.
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Skidding Jags rule out WR Chark for season finale at Colts
Coach Doug Marrone ruled out Chark (shin) on Friday, two days after saying running back James Robinson would miss the game because of a badly sprained left ankle. Chark leads the team with 53 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns. Without Chark and rookie Collin Johnson (hamstring), the Jaguars (1-14) will rely on rookie Laviska Shenault, Keelan Cole and Chris Conley against the Colts (10-5). Journeyman Mike Glennon will make his fifth start of the season and second straight. He has two touchdown passes and six turnovers in his last 10 quarters.
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Jags limp into finale with QB Glennon, without RB Robinson
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The worst (and potentially best) season in Jacksonville’s relatively brief history is coming to a close. The Jaguars (1-14) already set a team record for consecutive losses (14) and an NFL record for consecutive games allowing at least 24 points (also 14). Coach Doug Marrone and his staff could be next, possibly within hours of the season finale. Marrone said Wednesday that quarterback Mike Glennon will start the finale instead of Gardner Minshew. I don’t try to look too far (ahead) and I don’t try to look too back in the past.
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No preseason, no problem: NFL rookies shine in strange year
Young and Jefferson made the Pro Bowl, and surely more rookies would have joined them as alternates at the league’s now-canceled all-star game. “It’s crazy unusual for a rookie, I think, to have the type of leadership that Chase has, genuine leadership,” Washington quarterback Alex Smith said. “I think a lot of young guys, especially high picks, I think you feel pressure to do it some way or somehow. “Talk about a rookie coming in, starting every game and just being focused,” Browns Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio said of Wills. “We’re growing and we’re starting to get a hang of the game,” said Dolphins right tackle Robert Hunt, a second-round pick and one of six Miami rookies starting on offense.
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Jaguars set sights on Lawrence after years of failure at QB
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) warms up before an NCAA College football game against Syracuse in Clemson, S.C., on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (Ken Ruinard/Pool Photo via AP)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have botched the quarterback position repeatedly over the past two decades. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL draft Sunday, gaining a stronghold on Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence the same day they set a team record for futility. The only thing standing in the way of the small-market team drafting Lawrence is the junior’s decision to turn pro. —Signing Nick Foles: The Jaguars gave Foles a four-year, $88 million deal in 2019 free agency that included $50.125 million guaranteed.
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Dwayne Haskins starts for Washington despite breaking rules
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Dwayne Haskins gets his second consecutive start for Washington with quarterback Alex Smith out again because of a right calf injury. Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackon is active against Dallas after missing two months with an ankle injury. Harrison being inactive against the Rams comes as the Seahawks welcome defensive tackle Bryan Mone back from injured reserve following a lengthy stint because of an ankle injury. The Rams were without rookie running back Cam Akers, who had already been ruled out with an ankle injury. Washington: QB Alex Smith, RB Lamar Miller, WR Terry McLaurin, OT David Steinmetz, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB Thomas Davis.
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Casting call: Skidding Jaguars holding QB, GM auditions
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)The Jacksonville Jaguars are holding all sorts of auditions during Christmas week. Khan fired Dave Caldwell late last month and made former San Francisco executive Trent Baalke the interim GM. Smith, who spent a dozen seasons as Texans GM, already met with Atlanta and is expected to also interview with Detroit. Jacksonville (1-13), which has lost a franchise-record-tying 13 consecutive games, has arguably the most attractive GM opening in the league. Caldwell and Marrone took a chance on Minshew this season, but the 2019 sixth-round draft pick showed more flaws than flashes.
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Mayor Lenny Curry: Jets’ win could be defining moment for woeful Jaguars
Head coach Doug Marrone of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on prior to their game against the Cleveland Browns at TIAA Bank Field on Nov. 29, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. “THE New York freaking Jets delivered an early Christmas present to Jacksonville today,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry posted on Twitter before vowing to light a victory cigar. “Seriously, this Jets win could be a defining moment for our ball club. STOCK UPRookie K’Lavon Chaisson, the 20th overall draft pick in 2020, is showing signs of promise. KEY NUMBER2 — number of games Jacksonville needs to lose to lock up the No.
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Jackson leads surging Ravens to 40-14 rout of Jaguars
Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Baltimore. Instead, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens enjoyed a feel-good, confidence-building blowout that boosted their chances of reaching the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Jackson threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score, and Baltimore built a 26-point halftime lead against helpless Jacksonville in a 40-14 victory Sunday. The Ravens (9-5) have won three straight following a three-game skid and remained in the hunt to secure one of three AFC wild-card spots. The highlight of the fourth quarter was a 22-yard first-down run by Baltimore offensive lineman Tyre Phillips with a Jackson fumble.
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Soaring Ravens can’t afford letdown against lowly Jaguars
The Ravens would love to savor the memory of Lamar Jackson coming off the bench to throw a pivotal fourth-down touchdown pass before setting up Justin Tucker for a 55-yard winning field goal. So if the Ravens experience a letdown Sunday against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars (1-12), then Jackson's heroics in that epic 47-42 win over the Browns could turn out to be meaningless. “These are professional players, and they understand that to make the last win matter, you have to win the next one," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I don’t know if it’s hitting their stride or just really executing on a real high level, both in the run game and in the pass game," coach Doug Marrone said of Baltimore. Rookie Jake Luton started three games while Minshew was out with a thumb injury and Mike Glennon started the following three games.
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A winner: Chiefs vs Saints, with Brees back to face Mahomes
1 conference seed is tight, with the Packers one game ahead of the Saints, the Rams and Seahawks one game behind. Drew Brees will be active after missing four games with fractured ribs and a collapsed lung, making for an intriguing matchup with Patrick Mahomes. The Bills (11-3) scored twice in a 17-second span in the third quarter to ice their fourth straight victory that officially ended the New England Patriots’ 11-year reign atop the division. The Ravens have run for at least 100 yards in 36 straight games, seven short of the NFL record set by Pittsburgh from 1974-77. Baltimore is averaging 173.8 yards on the ground and topped 200 yards in each of the past two games.
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Mark Brunell: Where was the effort against the Titans?
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I don’t think anyone expected the Jaguars to win on Sunday against the Titans. I know Doug Marrone didn’t announce his decision after the game, but I can’t imagine going back to Glennon at this point. In all likelihood, it’s going to be Minshew starting these next three games and the teams seeing what he can do. You’re not going to see any of those players, Glennon, Jake Luton or Minshew, here long term. The Jaguars have three games left to change that direction, where it’s not the worst season we’ve ever had.
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Four takeaways: Jaguars have no answers for Henry, no clear-cut option at QB
The Jaguars are now 1-12 on the season and are one loss away from matching the longest losing skid in franchise history, and three losses away from the worst season in Jaguars history. The Jaguars had no answer for Derrick Henry, againThe Jaguars entered the game ranked 30th out of 32 teams in the NFL in run defense. Henry averaged 88.7 rushing yards per game against the Jaguars in his career before Sunday. With three games to go, Robinson ranks 13th in Jaguars’ history with 1,035 rushing yards. He needs 289 yards in the final three games to finish in the top five in single-season rushing yards in Jaguars’ history.
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Henry runs wild, Titans hand Jags 12th straight loss, 31-10
So Vrabel stuck with Henry, who delivered a 20-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped him make NFL history. Henry ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns, his best performance in five trips to his hometown area, and the Titans dominated Jacksonville 31-10 on Sunday and handed the Jaguars a 12th consecutive loss. Enjoying a big performance about 25 miles from his hometown of Yulee was something new for Henry. Henry had 170 yards on 17 carries in the first 30 minutes, including a 36-yard touchdown run. He added a 47-yard scamper early in the third as the AFC South-leading Titans (9-4) started to pull away.
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Hometown hurdle? Henry has been quiet in games at Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Some of Derrick Henry’s biggest plays and most productive games have come against the Jaguars. The Jaguars have an impressive streak going against the NFL’s leading rusher this season and last. They haven’t allowed Henry to reach 100 yards rushing in any of his four trips home. We know this guy’s going to get the football and he’s coming downhill,” Jaguars safety Jarrod Wilson said. Only three previous undrafted rookies have surpassed 1,000 yards rushing: Indianapolis’ Dominic Rhodes (1,104 in 2001), Denver’s Phillip Lindsay (1,037 in 2018) and Tampa Bay’s LeGarrette Blount (1,007 in 2010).
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Giants, Vikings shed slow starts, move into playoff position
The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings are in position to pull off remarkable turnarounds. One of the other teams that started 0-5 this season shares a stadium with the Giants but hasn’t pulled off an in-season turnaround. Jefferson, a first-round pick, had nine catches for 121 yards last week to reach 1,039 yards receiving on the season. With 11 TD runs this season, Newton has reached double-digits in three seasons (14 in 2011 and 10 in 2015). It was the first time since Brady Quinn in 2009 that a quarterback won consecutive starts despite throwing for fewer than 100 yards.
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Vikings outlast error-prone Jags 27-24 on Bailey's OT kick
Minnesota Vikings place kicker Dan Bailey (5) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 23-yard field goal during overtime in an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Minneapolis. The Cowboys, Panthers and Jaguars (1-11), who lost their 11th straight game, are a combined 8-27. Chase McLaughlin even had a chance to win it with a 62-yard field goal at the end of the fourth quarter that fell short. FOUR FIGURESJefferson joined Pro Football Hall of Fame member Randy Moss (1998) as the only rookies in Vikings history to reach 1,000 receiving yards. Vikings: CB Jeff Gladney (calf) and TE Brandon Dillon (ankle) each left the game.
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Vikings still committed to core, as Jaguars starting over
The Jaguars, 9-30 since October 2018, initiated an aggressive teardown before last season and fired general manager Dave Caldwell last week. Even teams with no wins or few wins, it’s still a bunch of pro athletes with a bunch of pride, and they’re going to show up and they’re going to play hard and they’re going to be coached well. Losing to Minnesota would serve to lower the second-round selection the Jaguars obtained for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue in late August. Ngakoue still leads the Vikings with five sacks despite being traded to Baltimore after six games. GLENNON AGAINThe Jaguars are sticking with quarterback Mike Glennon despite Gardner Minshew now being fully healthy from his thumb injury.
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Jaguars have history on their side, Steelers have present in Sunday’s game
But if you consider the history between the Jaguars and Steelers, perhaps it deserves a second look. The Jaguar sand Steelers have played 26 times in history. The Jaguars famously became the first team to beat the Steelers twice in Pittsburgh in the same season during a playoff run in 2007. To beat the Steelers, the Jaguars will have to contend with a defense ranked first in sacks. That’s football and it’s all about playing the next play and sticking to our game plan.”Part of the Jaguars’ approach must center around the running game.
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Jags on verge of tying another franchise record for futility
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The last time the Jacksonville Jaguars lost nine consecutive games, owner Shad Khan fired coach Gus Bradley before they left the stadium. Jacksonville (1-8) dropped its eighth straight at Green Bay on Sunday and can match the longest, single-season skid in franchise history against unbeaten Pittsburgh. “All I know is we’re putting everything in this thing and we’re fighting our butts off,” Marrone said. But the end results might not be enough to save Marrone and Caldwell, who have dropped 19 of their past 28 games. KEY NUMBER8 — number of consecutive games Jacksonville has with at least one turnover, coinciding with its losing streak.
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Mark Brunell: Packers tried to give a win away, but Jaguars wouldn’t take it
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The good news: The Jaguars played better than they have for most of the season in Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Packers. The bad news: The Packers played shaky football and gave the Jaguars every opportunity to win a game and they still couldn’t win. And a relatively good day for the Jaguars — by Jaguars standards, anyway — tells you where things are. Bad teams just can’t find a way to get it done. There were a lot of good things that happened on Sunday for the Jaguars.
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Plenty of reasons for scoring's record-setting pace in NFL
The top mark in NFL history through nine weeks was 24 ppg in 2018. That has eliminated the need for silent counts for road teams, making life much easier for offenses. Road teams are 67-65-1 this season, marking the first time since 1983 (68-57-1) that they had a winning record through nine weeks. From 2010-19, home teams outscored road teams by 2.0 points per game. FLAG FOOTBALL: From the crackdown on hits against defenseless receivers to the protections in place for quarterbacks, NFL rules always seem to tilt toward the offense.
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Jaguars halfway home to another high pick, potential reboot
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In what could be his final two months on the job, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone is making changes. They’re halfway home to another top-five draft pick and probably another significant reboot. Then again, since the Jaguars face the toughest schedule of anyone in the second half of the season, it might not matter. They play three divisions leaders (Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Tennessee), three second-place teams (Baltimore, Chicago, Indianapolis), plus Cleveland (5-3) and Minnesota (3-5). WHAT’S WORKINGRunning back James Robinson has four touchdowns in three games, further establishing himself as the team’s most consistent player.
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Four takeaways: Can we see a bit more of Luton this season?
Here were my top four takeaways from the game:A mixed day for Jake LutonJake Luton had a day in line with what you would expect form a rookie. It was the fourth longest first completion for an NFL rookie in history. Then, needing a two-point conversion to tie the game, Luton threw behind DJ Chark. For the game, Luton completed 26 of 38 passes for 304 yards. • The Ugly: In the third quarter, Luton made a bad decision and throw under pressure and that led to an interception by Vernon Hargreaves III.
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Four things the Jaguars should do after the bye week
The Jaguars drafted 12 players this year. If so, the Jaguars will have to allocate a sizable chunk to Robinson, who plays the premium position of left tackle. Andrew Norwell goes from being a $12 million cap hit to a $15 million cap hit, but his dead money drops from $18 million to $6 million, so the Jaguars have more flexibility to move on from him if needed. And, it would be a shock if the Jaguars would move on from Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. We saw the Jaguars in 2018 start to fray at the seams later in the season.
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Four takeaways: Do Jaguars make a change at QB?
The QB question at the byeWith the Jaguars bye week pushed back to the first weekend of November, the team has played seven game with Gardner Minshew as the quarterback this season. In fact, the Jaguars didn’t achieve a first down until there was less than 11 minutes left in the second quarter. That being said, when the Jaguars needed Minshew to make plays in the fourth quarter, he did not. Not only is he a guy the Jaguars can build around for the future, he is the present of the Jaguars offense. That was a big play, but the true turnaround actually took place in the second quarter when the Jaguars offense and defense started to show up.
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Herbert leads Chargers to 39-29 victory over Jaguars
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) celebrates his rushing touchdown with Joshua Kelley (27) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)INGLEWOOD, Calif. – At last, a victory. The rookie threw for a season-high 347 yards and three touchdowns as well as running for a score as the Chargers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 39-29 to snap a four-game losing streak. James Robinson led the Jaguars with 119 rushing yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). After Badgley's 35-yard field goal on the opening drive, rookie Joe Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 7-yard jet sweep around right end. It was the Chargers' first rushing touchdown since Herbert in Week 2 against Kansas City.
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Jaguars limp into bye week with 6th straight loss as questions mount
Keenan Allen of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball against CJ Henderson of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Inglewood, California. The Jaguars went back and forth with the Chargers, but couldn’t close things out on the West Coast in a 39-29 loss in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Jaguars enter the bye week at 1-6 and losers of six consecutive games. Minshew connected with Chris Conley on a 28-yard touchdown pass and found Ben Ellefson for a two-point conversion for a 29-22 lead. Jacksonville went for two-point conversions three times and went for it on fourth down four times.
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No end in sight: Jaguars dominated in loss to Lions
Chark of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter in the game at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. The slide continued for the Jaguars, who were knocked around from open to close by the Lions in a 34-16 loss at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday. After three straight losses to previously winless teams (Dolphins, Bengals, Texans), the Jaguars found the one-win Lions just as challenging to stop. The defense gave up 185 rushing yards, the bulk of those to Swift (116 yards on 14 carries, two TDs) and 40 more (and a TD) to Adrian Peterson. As a team, the Jaguars finished with 44 yards rushing on 16 carries.
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Porous D abounds: Lions-Jaguars could be high-scoring affair
The Lions (1-3) rank last in the league in rushing yards allowed, giving up more than 170 yards a game. The Jaguars (1-4) are near the bottom of every major defensive category, including 30th in total yards and last in yards per play. The teams are among a group of seven allowing more than 400 yards and about 30 points a game. So when they meet in Jacksonville on Sunday for the first time in eight years, it should be an ideal matchup for a high-scoring affair. “There’s a lot of respect for him in our building and from us as a coaching staff," Wash said.
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Jaguars at the quarter turn: Can this team get things turned around?
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s the quarter point of the NFL season. The Dolphins annihilated Jacksonville, but I’d have to say that I’m disappointed that this team isn’t at least 2-2. Are the Jaguars closer to being a good team or closer to being a team in need of a full-on rebuild? CP: Overall, I think this team is on the way to being good in a year or two. Can you look at those games right now and think Jacksonville will be favored in any of those?
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Four takeaways: So, what now for Jaguars after 3rd straight loss?
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars went to Cincinnati and gave rookie Joe Burrow his first victory in the NFL, a 33-25 loss that dropped the Jaguars to 1-3 on the season, their third straight loss. It’s the first time this year the Jaguars opponent didn’t start the game with a touchdown. However, on the subsequent Bengals drive, Cincy took the lead with a field goal. Before the Jaguars rolled into town, the Bengals had given up the most sacks and quarterback hits in the NFL. For the third straight game, the Jaguars gave up at least 30 points.
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Jaguars’ bright spot, running back James Robinson, wins offensive rookie of month honor
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – He’s been the brightest spot in a mundane start to the season for the Jaguars. Thursday, running back James Robinson gained national attention earning the NFL’s offensive rookie of the month award. Since then all he has done is get off to the best start of any offensive player in franchise history. But obviously, for us to be good, he has to have big production, both in the running game, in protection, and in the pass game. Robinson’s plans for the rest of the season mirror his approach to running the football: “Make an impact and keep going forward.
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Marrone wants Jaguars to refocus after uneven start to season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – No doubt that the Jaguars have had a challenging and erratic start to the season. Doug Marrone is trying to bring things back to the basics and help players refocus. What was a solid 1-1 start had spiraled into what fans had probably expected to see from the Jaguars (1-2) this season. And among the heavy rookie presence on the Jaguars, undrafted free agent running back James Robinson has had quite the start. When the games came and Marrone saw that Robinson could pass protect and contribute offensively, he was impressed.
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Four takeaways: Defense needs some work; rookie Robinson a keeper
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars didn’t win over any fans with a lackluster 31-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins Thursday night at TIAA Bank Field. The defense was gashed by the Dolphins on the first drive, then Ryan Fitzpatrick did most of the damage on the second drive. James Robinson is a keeper (Part 2)Last week, I mentioned Robinson as a guy who had proven himself through the first two weeks. Thursday night as the Jaguars were trying to find some rhythm on offense, Robinson was the most productive player. The defense needs to make some playsIn the opener, the Jaguars defense made some plays, led by CJ Henderson.
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Fitzpatrick handles Jaguars again, this time with Dolphins
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick laughs with coaches as he comes off the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ryan Fitzpatrick handles the Jacksonville Jaguars as well as anyone in the NFL. Fitzpatrick completed his first 12 passes — a career high — as Miami scored touchdowns on its first three drives for the first time since 2011. Fitzpatrick also ran for 39 yards and a score, his 37-year-old legs looking as fresh as any in Miami’s backfield. “As a group we just didn't get it done,” said Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, who completed 30 of 42 passes for 275 yards and two turnovers. The Jaguars have won two in a row against the Bengals, notching victories in 2017 and 2019.
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Not quite ready for primetime: Jaguars fall flat against Dolphins
As leaky as the defense played early in those games, it got better as the game went on. There was no second half burst by the offense. Despite his two rushing touchdowns, Robinson was limited to 46 yards on the ground. The Jaguars defense has allowed 62 first-half points in the first three weeks. • Robinson now has three rushing touchdowns this season, equaling the number of rushing scores that the Jaguars had last season.
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Four takeaways: Jaguars showing resilience; defense needs more pressure
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars lost a 33-30 shootout in Nashville, falling to the Titans in Tennessee for the seventh straight year. The Jaguars are now 1-1 on the season as they prepare for a Thursday night game at home against Miami. Jaguars are a resilient teamIn both games this season, the Jaguars have fallen behind early, then come back to tie or lead. While the Jaguars never led in this game, they did overcome a 21-7 deficit to tie the game at 30. The Jaguars must find a way to make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable.
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Gostkowski kicks 49-yarder as Titans beat Jaguars 33-30
(AP Photo/Wade Payne)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans know good teams win ugly games, and being 2-0 for the first time in 12 years has a way of making any victory look much prettier. Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 49-yard field goal with 1:36 left, and the Tennessee Titans remain undefeated after holding off the Jacksonville Jaguars 33-30 Sunday. It’s exciting to get the win and get the Titans to 2-0.”Quarterback Ryan Tannehill said Gostkowski came up huge for the Titans on something that wasn't a chip shot. “Excited to be 2-0 for the first time here in Tennessee," third-year Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. So the Titans turned to Tannehill, the quarterback who led the NFL in 2019 with a 117.5 passer rating.
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Jaguars, with shot to move to 2-0, eager to end slide in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Starting 2-0 is an opportunity the Tennessee Titans simply haven’t seized in a very long time. “So, yeah, I think it’s a big game for us, it’s a big game because it’s a divisional game. Jack and Jones led the way Sunday as Jacksonville held Indy to 88 yards rushing — more than 50 yards under what it allowed last year. Henry also is averaging 104.3 yards rushing against AFC South teams since becoming the starter in 2018. His 1,251 yards rushing inside the division lead the NFL in that time, a total that includes 498 yards rushing against the Jaguars.
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Mark Brunell: Rookies shine, Minshew stands out in a great opening week
We’ve heard so much about how bad this team is supposed to be and the players hear that, too. Until you get those young players in game action, you just don’t know how they’re going to perform. As young as the Jaguars are and rookies are playing like they did against the Colts, that is very comforting for me going forward. There were three times during the game where I saw a significant change in how Minshew performed compared to last year. Winning in Week 1 doesn’t change my long-term outlook for the Jaguars this season.
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Four takeaways: Let’s hope this start isn’t a flash in the pan
Minshew became the fourth player in league history to throw three touchdown passes and complete 90% or more of his passes, joining Drew Breese, Philip Rivers and Marcus Mariota. Ten different Jaguars caught passes, and he settled into a rhythm in the second quarter. After the first two Jaguars possessions resulted in punts, here’s how the rest of the game went for Minshew and company: touchdown, touchdown, punt, field goal, touchdown, field goal, victory formation. Shenault caught a touchdown, Collin Johnson caught a pass in the middle of the field that converted a third down. This was the kind of game that Jaguars fans deserved to enjoy after the last two years.
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What a start: Jaguars stun Colts in opener
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback C.J. Panned, picked apart, ridiculed and accused of tanking for the top pick in next year’s NFL draft, the Jaguars made the statement that mattered Sunday. Eight-point underdogs against Indianapolis and projected as a team that was tanking after a roster purge, Jacksonville went out and shocked the Colts 24-20 in the opener at TIAA Bank Field. Safety Andrew Wingard picked off Rivers and the Jaguars parlayed that into a 46-yard field goal from Josh Lambo. Rookie Laviska Shenault grabbed Minshew’s second scoring pass on a 15-yard slant route with just over a minute left in the opening half.
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Overlooked? Underrated? Marrone thinks Jaguars ‘can be special’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to surprise, possibly even shock, much of the NFL. 1 draft pick in April — and assembling one of the youngest rosters in the league, the Jaguars are mostly a league-wide afterthought. The Jaguars don’t care. “I really think that this team can be special,” coach Doug Marrone said Wednesday. “We don’t feel like we’re underdogs at all,” receiver DJ Chark said.
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Jaguars place RB Ozigbo on IR, sign Ogunbowale to fill spot
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars placed running back Devine Ozigbo on injured reserve with a left hamstring injury Thursday and signed former Tampa Bay running back Dare Ogunbowale to fill his roster spot. Ogunbowale could be in uniform for the team's opener Sunday against Indianapolis since Jacksonville has little depth at the position. The Jaguars waived Leonard Fournette last week, put Ryquell Armstead on the COVID-19 list for the second time in five weeks and then lost Ozigbo in practice Wednesday. That left them with undrafted rookie James Robinson, third-down back Chris Thompson and fullback Bruce Miller available. Another undrafted rookie running back, Nathan Cottrell, could be called up from the practice squad.
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Jaguars Armstead out a while after return to COVID list
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jaguars running back Ryquell Armstead is expected to miss significant time after landing on the COVID-19 list for the second time in five weeks. Coach Doug Marrone says Armstead will be sidelined ``a while.'I cant put a real timetable on it, but hell be out for a while, Marrone said Monday. Armstead missed most of training camp with a myriad of issues. He went on the COVID list in early August and missed 19 days. A fifth-round draft pick from Temple, Armstead ran 35 times for 108 yards as a rookie last year.