The Jaguars vs 49ers game this Sunday is one of the premier games on the NFL schedule. At 5-3, the 49ers are slightly underperforming, but probably not for long. In Sunday’s matchup, San Francisco should be at full strength and they have a new edge rusher in former Washington Commander, Chase Young. The Jaguars, on the other hand, have won five straight and are moving up power rankings lists everywhere. Even without the offense clicking, they are getting up on teams early and never looking back. The matchup Sunday is anybody’s game, but playing at home should be just enough of an advantage for a Jaguars win.
How The Jaguars Will Beat the 49ers At Home
Both the 49ers and Jaguars are coming off bye weeks, but they entered the bye week going in opposite directions. The 49ers were banged up and losers of three in a row. The Jaguars, while missing a couple of key pieces like Zay Jones, DaVon Hamilton, and Tyson Campbell, went into their bye week winners of five straight. While San Francisco needs a win to right the ship, the Jaguars are still looking for league-wide respect. A win over the 49ers would go a long way in showing the rest of the NFL that the Jaguars are for real. Here are five things to watch in this weekend’s matchup in Jacksonville.
Chase Young’s Impact in His New Home
The 49ers did exactly what the Jaguars should have done at the trade deadline: they got Chase Young. Young has five sacks this year and at just 24 years of age, has incredible potential. Lining up on the other side of Nick Bosa might be the best thing that has happened in Young’s football career. The 49ers made a top-10 defense even better at the trade deadline while the Jaguars decided to stand pat. The game Sunday highlights what could have been for the Jaguars and what might be the key piece in a Super Bowl run for the 49ers.
Travis Etienne vs Christian McCaffrey
Travis Etienne is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL. That versatility was on full display against the Steelers when he took a pass 56 yards for a touchdown. As good as Etienne has been this year, however, Christian McCaffrey is even better. He catches the ball like a receiver and is one of the best running backs in the league every year. One big comparison statistic is McCaffrey’s 4.8 yards per carry compared to Etienne’s 3.9. Jacksonville is the third-best defense against the run in 2023 and San Francisco is fifth. With defenses like that, the Etienne/McCaffrey matchup is one of the most important in Sunday’s contest.
Mr. Irrelevant vs ‘The Chosen One’
In 2021, Trevor Lawrence was the first pick in the NFL draft. Since the first time he threw a pass at Clemson University, NFL scouts have been drooling. He has an incredible arm, good speed, accuracy, and much more. In short, he was as close to a “can’t miss” draft pick as Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning had been.
The year after Lawrence was drafted No. 1 overall, Brock Purdy was chosen 262nd in the 2022 NFL draft. The title of “Mr. Irrelevant” was bestowed upon the new 49er, and for good reason. San Francisco already had Jimmy Garoppolo and had drafted Trey Lance third overall the previous year. Purdy was to come in as the third-string quarterback at best and had little chance to make the active roster.
In 2023, Purdy has 12 touchdowns, five interceptions, 2,033 yards, and a completion percentage of 68.3%. Lawrence’s numbers are nine touchdowns, four interceptions, 1,935 yards, and a completion percentage of 68.3%. While the numbers point to Purdy as having a better 2023 than Lawrence, the truth is that nobody in the NFL would pick Purdy over Lawrence if given the choice. He is the better player and will have the better career. At the same time, seeing a David vs Goliath battle like this one is always fun to watch.
Playing in Jacksonville
The two teams seem somewhat evenly matched in a lot of ways, but the Jaguars have one major advantage: they are playing at home. Even though they are 1-2 in Jacksonville this year, the Jaguars have a home-field advantage. The weather is going to be perfect and the stadium is going to be loud. If both teams play well on Sunday, being at home in Jacksonville should give the Jaguars the edge they need to win the game.
Two Top-10 Scoring Defenses
The 49ers are ranked fourth in scoring defense and the Jaguars are eighth. Both teams are difficult to rush against as they are both in the top five in terms of rushing yards per game. On the other hand, teams have found some success in the pass game with the 49ers ranked 19th and the Jaguars ranked 30th in passing yards allowed. No matter the numbers, the “eye test” and the points allowed by each squad show that two good defenses are taking the field on Sunday.
This game could come down to turnovers and both defenses are proficient at creating them. The Jaguars have 18 forced turnovers in 2023 and the 49ers have 13. The teams are eighth and ninth respectively in turnover differential. An interception or a strip sack could be the difference in this game, and both defenses are turning the ball over consistently in 2023.
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