The Jacksonville Jaguars defense struggled again as they gave up 40 points and 409 yards of offense in Sunday’s 40-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore finished 8-of-12 on third down and 1-of-2 on fourth down in the 28 point victory. Jacksonville fell to 1-13 with the loss, but the defense became the main storyline.
For the second straight game, the Jaguars allowed over 30 points on defense. In a season where both sides are struggling, Jacksonville just can’t get it together on defense. While the offense is trying to find its identity with Gardner Minshew II back at quarterback, Todd Wash‘s defensive unit continues to struggle.
The Ravens led 26-0 at halftime as Lamar Jackson lit up the defense with two first half touchdown passes. Although the Ravens failed to have a touchdown of over 20 yards, the defense did record an interception on Baltimore’s opening drive of the game. For a team that will have a top three pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jaguars defense is not helping the cause of potentially earning a lower pick in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defense Struggles Again
The Jaguars have given up 40, 31, and 27 points in the team’s last three games, which all resulted in losses. In those three losses, Jacksonville has given up a total of 1,183 yards to opposing teams. Against the Tennessee Titans last week, Derrick Henry exposed the defense for 215 rushing yards on 26 carries.
Sure, the team has dealt with injuries on the defensive side of the ball this season. But in the 2020 draft, Jacksonville drafted C.J. Henderson and K’Lavon Chaisson with its first round picks. On the year, Henderson has 36 tackles, six passes defensed and one interception. Chaisson has recorded 13 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed. The young rookies have been a bright spot for the unit, but the remaining players continue to struggle.
Jaguars safety Sidney Jones was out with an Achilles injury which depleted the secondary on Sunday in Baltimore. Heading into the final two games of the year, the defense has to make more adjustments in order to finish on a high note.
Against the Ravens, Jacksonville’s defense only allowed 159 rushing yards as the Ravens averaged just 4.3 yards per carry. But for a struggling defense, those numbers are still inexcusable.
We’ve seen the Jaguars front office already make moves this season by firing general manager Dave Caldwell and more firings are expected after the season. Defensive coordinator Todd Wash could be one of those on the list. For the season, Wash’s defense has allowed over 20 points in every game this season. In the team’s only win, the Indianapolis Colts scored 20 in the season opener.
Time to Fire Todd Wash?
As the season begins to wind down for the Jaguars, there will be a lot of talk about what to do on the defensive side of the ball. Many believe that it is time for Wash to be let go, and rightfully so. Allowing 30+ points eight times this season is inexcusable. The Jaguars have talent on that side of the ball, but injuries have continued to plague the unit. Despite the injuries though, the defense has to adjust and be on the look for a new coordinator going into the 2021 season. The struggles on defense have to stop if the unit is going to make any sort of impression in the final two games.
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