The Jacksonville Jaguars are now 2-11 on the season. With an eight game losing streak it’s easy to become pessimistic. But the last three games are against each of the Jaguars division foes. Can you say spoiler? Before we get to next week, here’s some final thoughts from week 14 including the new inductee into the Pride of the Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars Week 14 Takeaways
Jimmy Smith inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars
Jimmy Smith was inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars at half time at EverBank field. The game was tied 9-9 at the time and this was a great moment for the history of the franchise. Smith was half of the “thunder and lightning” duo in Jacksonville along with Keenan McCardell. The duo ensured dominance at the wide receiver position in the late 1990s while the Jaguars were one of the more competitive teams in the league.
Smith’s presence at the game was great but what he said was even better: “Be an all pro at getting back up. Because you’re going to get knocked down”. The Jaguars can relate to that statement this season. The part that they can’t relate to yet is getting back up. In order to be a complete team they should follow Smith’s advice.
Special Teams Not so Special
Week after week, it’s the offense that gets a bad rap for the Jaguars. But the special teams unit has been lackluster as well. Yesterday, there were missed opportunities on special teams and even missed points. Jason Myers was three for five on field goals. One of his two misses was from 41 yards and the other was from 61 yards and blocked. As an NFL kicker, 41 yards should be expected and obviously the line failed on the long attempt.
Jaguars punter Brad Nortman was knocked down after a tipped punt and that just shouldn’t happen. Punters aren’t spoken of often, but Nortman was a good pick up during the off season. He needs to be protected so that there’s a good, clean punt and so he doesn’t get hurt. The Jaguars have enough injuries already so let’s not add punter to that list. The missed tackles on special teams go without mentioning. Giving the other side good field position is the last thing a team with a bad offense needs.
The Offense Is Still Inept
Is it any surprise that the offense still can’t get its act together? Whether it’s the play of Blake Bortles or the strange way the offense is being used; something has got to give. Fortunatel,y Bortles didn’t throw any interceptions but the decision making is odd. Just last week Bortles and Allen Robinson sat down together to try and get on the same page. That must be a work in progress as Robinson had just one catch on three targets for 17 yards.
As for decision making, the receiver with the most targets was running back T.J. Yeldon. Yes, receiver Allen Hurns was out but six more targets to Yeldon than your Pro-Bowl receiver makes one wonder what Bortles and Robinson chatted about last week. The one bright spot however, is receiver Marqise Lee. Lee had five receptions for 113 yards on eight targets and at least one pass was overthrown. Though Lee has struggled with hamstring injuries early on in his career, he is showing some grit this season. He had an especially impressive 39 yard scamper that included a few broken tackles. In a down season, Lee is a bright spot. Let’s hope that continues next week against the Texans.
