Key Observations: Jaguars Vs. Jets At Met Life Stadium
The Tennessee Titans lost to the Houston Texans giving the Jacksonville Jaguars a chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC South. That wasn’t the case Sunday. The Jaguars blew multiple opportunities to win this game and become relevant. The Jags seemed to be going in the right direction before Sunday, winning two games against very formidable opponents. Jacksonville was even favored on the road for the first time in 44 games, but have not won consecutive road games in almost four years.
THE GOOD
The Jacksonville pass defense proved it’s number one ranking Sunday, limiting New York Jets Quarterback, Josh McCown, to 244 yards and no touchdowns. The Jags registered five sacks and a key interception by Jacksonville cornerback A.J. Bouye with 3:22 left in the fourth quarter. Bouye’s interception led to Jacksonville field goal to tie the game and go to overtime.
Leonard Fournette continues to be the lone consistent player on the offensive side of the ball. He had 86 yards on the ground, four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. After the two-minute warning, Fournette had another touchdown reception but it was negated due to a holding penalty by Jags backup wide receiver Arrelious Benn.
THE BAD
Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles had a sub-par day at Met Life Stadium. He went 15/35 for 140 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Bortles struggled against the Jets’ defense, most of his success coming from dump offs to Fournette. After Sunday’s loss, Jacksonville ranks 30th in passing yards per game. If the Jags have any aspirations for a playoff run, this coaching staff has to figure out how to improve Bortles’ production.
The Jacksonville run defense seemed like they were on roller skates for most of the day. New York gashed them for touchdown runs to the tune of 75 and 69 yards. The Jags gave up 256 years on the ground to the Jets, who averaged 89 yards per game coming into Sunday’s meeting. The New York Jets now average 130 yards per game.
THE UGLY
New York Jets running back Bilal Powell had a career day against the Jags, which all started with his 75-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter. Jags Linebacker Telvin Smith seemed to trip Powell up as he fell to the ground and the surrounding Jags players assumed he was down. But Powell got up and scored seemingly untouched.
First and goal from the six-yard line, 1:46 left to go in regulation and Fournette is on the sideline. The Jags decided to throw the ball three straight times, having the worst passing attack in the NFL coming into the game. With the season potentially on the line, the best player on offense needs to be on the field. Fournette led the team in rushing and receiving Sunday, give him the ball.
UP NEXT: Jacksonville travels to Heinz Field next Sunday and faces the Pittsburgh Steelers.
