This weekend the 8-1 Detroit Lions host the struggling 2-8 Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the Jaguars losing record, this game will not necessarily be a cakewalk for the NFC-leading Detroit Lions.
What to Watch for When Lions Host Jaguars in Week 11
Jaguars Offense Without Trevor Lawrence
In taking on a team beset by injuries and without their starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Lions fans might expect another lopsided high-scoring game. It’s a reasonable assumption for a Detroit offense that outscored their opponents in the past seven games by 111 points. However, the fan base shouldn’t underestimate the Lions’ opponent this week. Despite turning the program around a league-leading defense and Lawrence boasting a 4,000-yard season, head coach Doug Pederson finds himself in the unenviable position of fighting to hang onto his job. However, when a team has their back against the wall, just like a coiled snake, they are at their most dangerous.
Last week, Jacksonville’s defense grabbed three interceptions off Sam Darnold. Although the Vikings eventually won the game 12-7, the Jaguars’ defense shut down one of the NFL’s better offenses. Darnold was 24/38 for 241 yards, with three interceptions and no touchdowns. Although the Minnesota Vikings controlled the time of possession and had the ball for almost 43 minutes, Jacksonville’s defense prevented them from scoring. Minnesota was held under 20 points for the first time all season.
With franchise quarterback Lawrence knocked out of the game with an AC joint injury, Mac Jones will get his second start on Sunday. Acquired from the New England Patriots this season, Jones was the starter against the Vikings last week. Jones had a rough afternoon. He completed 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards with 2 interceptions, a fumble and no touchdowns.
What Should Lions Fans Watch for With Jaguars Offense?
Since the Jags lost Christian Kirk earlier in the season to a collarbone injury, Jones will rely on tight end Evan Engram and a trio of wide receivers. The veteran tight end has 31 receptions for 263 yards and one touchdown. Brian Thomas Jr. has been the most productive of the Jacksonville wide receivers this season, hauling in 37 of 56 receptions for 607 yards and five touchdowns.
Catching 19 of 39 targets, Gabe Davis has played a minor role in the Jaguars offense. Although he scored two touchdowns in the game against the Chicago Bears, those were his only scores of the year. Like Davis, Parker Washington has not been much of a factor in the Jacksonville passing attack with nine receptions on fifteen targets for 108 yards.
Coming off back-to-back 1000-yard rushing seasons, Travis Etienne Jr. has appeared in eight games with disappointing results. He has 298 yards on 70 carries, two touchdowns and a fumble. Once one of their strengths, the magic is missing from the Jaguars’ ground game this season.
What to Watch for With Jaguars’ Defense
The Lions offense will face one of the league’s better defenses over the past three years. A year ago, Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen led the NFL as the leading duo with a combined 27.5 sacks. This year, Walker is in fifth place for the most sacks in the NFL. He is tied with Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr. of the Texans with 7.5 sacks this season. Waker has 19 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass defense in 10 games.
Coming off one of their worst offensive performances of the year, the Lions had a rough outing last week against the Texans. Although the Lions stormed back late in the game with a 26-23 victory, Jared Goff had a rare off night. He threw five interceptions and only completed 50 percent of his 30 passes. One area where the Jaguars are strongest is their ability to defend against the pass. In addition to Walker, Devin Lloyd, Andre Cisco, Darnell Savage, and Foye Oluokun have broken up multiple pass attempts this season.
Keys to a Lions Victory
Goff needs to return to his MVP form on Sunday and regain his ability to drill precision passes into the hands of his receivers. With one of the top passer ratings in the NFL, Goff led the league throughout multiple games. The Lions will also rely on the magic of their dynamic duo, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Detroit defense has flourished under the guidance of Defensive Coordinator, Aaron Glenn who has been masterful at adapting an injury-depleted lineup. The Lions have 13 interceptions, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six, courtesy of Kerby Joseph. Now, Glenn has the added benefit of recently acquired Pro Bowl veteran Za’Darius Smith who has five sacks and 13 solo tackles in eight games with the Cleveland Browns this season.
The Jaguars’ defense is coming off their best game of the season. But they face a much harder challenge with the Lions’ multi-faceted offense. However, the Lions can’t make the mistake of coasting on Sunday. They must keep their foot on the gas and continue attacking their opponents, one possession at a time. This season is far from over. There is still a lot for the Lions to accomplish before February 9th and a planned trip to New Orleans.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
