The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost their sixth straight game. At 2-9, talk of the post-season would be ridiculous, but I’ve given up on being angry at the losses this season. Instead, I see a Jaguars team that has potential for the future. Though they lost 28-21 today, the game was easier to watch and more exciting. Will they get a third win this season?
Jacksonville Jaguars Week 12 Takeaways
Blake Bortles Played Better
Blake Bortles has struggled greatly this season, but today he played okay. He was actually the team’s leading rusher with 81 yards and he didn’t throw any interceptions.The opening offensive drive was very exciting and running back Chris Ivory looked strong, but you have to wonder if there was an offensive plan without him. Once he got injured the offense was slower. Bortles didn’t make many mistakes today but he also didn’t throw as much. In fact, he only threw the ball 26 times and had just 13 completions (50%).
There were also two bad drops today. Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns had the drops, and at least one of those near-completions would have extended the drive. For the offense to take the next step and be able to win games, the passing and running games have to be there. It seemed like the plan was for Bortles to throw less and rely more on the run game. That shouldn’t be the only way to fix the turnovers.
The Defense Is Allowing Too Many Big Plays
The Jaguars defense is their strong point this year, but when you can’t stop LeSean McCoy, there’s going to be a problem. Two defenders failed to tackle the Buffalo Bills star running back at the line and, he ran for a 75-yard touchdown. Last week, the Jags held the Detroit Lions to only 14 yards of rushing, but they need to be consistent and that includes great talents like McCoy. It’s not enough to do well in the first half of the game. The defense has a problem of missing tackles.
Even besides big running plays, you can’t allow penalties to extend the opponent’s drive. Cornerback Prince Amukamara was flagged for pass interference on a play that gave the Bills a lot of yards. Who knows the outcome of that drive without the penalty, but an interception would have been better (safety Tashaun Gipson caught the ball on that play). On a positive note, rookie Yannick Ngakoue recorded his sixth sack of the season today. There were five sacks in total by the defense, which is great, but the missed tackles and penalties have to stop.
Gus Bradley Is Sending The Wrong Message To His Players
I like Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley as a person, but he’s confusing as a coach. He motivates the players well and that is obvious. However, there is a definite lack of discipline on the team. Rashad Greene muffed two punts today. He didn’t lose the ball, but he has struggled in that area this year and he goes right back to his duties after a mistake like that.
I’m not a coach, but situations like that coupled with the penalties this year are worrisome. It’s great to be motivational, but the Jaguars have a pretty young roster and they need a coach that is firm. There likely won’t be a coaching change until the end of the season. It would be nice however, too see the team play with more discipline.
Main Photo:
