Jags Fall To Bengals 27-10
By Luke Sims
Well, Blaine Gabbert’s interception-free streak came to an end on an errant pass Sunday. Unfortunately for the Jaguars that bad news comes with even more bad news. On top of losing to the Bengals, the team failed to move the ball on the ground or in the air, the defense looked sloppy, and the Bengals took advantage of opportunities much better than the Jaguars did.
The Jaguars defense came out hot and forced an Andy Dalton interception only to have Kyle Bosworth fumble the return without being touched. The Bengals took advantage of the mistake and marched down the field for a field goal. The Jaguars responded with a nice two yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis to go up 7-3. That’s when the Bengals really started to up their game. Down 3-7 in the second quarter, the Bengals when up 17-7 by halftime. The Jags went on to score a field goal after stalling in the redzone and the game ended 27-10.
Rashean Mathis was easily beat by Green all day. Source: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
It was a depressing showing for Maurice Jones-Drew who had a meager 38 yards on 13 carries (2.9 yards per attempt). Meanwhile, BenJarvus Green-Ellis put up 82 yards on 26 carries (3.1 yards per attempt) but seemed to be doing much more for the Bengals offense. Andy Dalton looked tremendous going 20/31 for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and the interception fumbled by Bosworth. A.J. Green was a big recipient of Dalton’s success and caught six balls for 117 yards and a score. Gabbert continued to struggle to move the ball for the Jaguars offense and ended the day 23/34 for 186 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. While a much better completion percentage for Gabbert, a large number of his throws were underneath to MJD or other backs. Justin Blackmon did seem to finally break out of his shell with six catches for 48 yards but looked out of place and failed to compete for some balls.
The Jaguars failed to open up their offense and it cost them in a game that made the Bengals defense look much better than the bottom-feeding type it has been thus far this season. Meanwhile, the Bengals seemed to be able to do what they wanted against the Jags. While the Jags forced two Green-Ellis fumbles, the Bengals D seemed unstoppable and got to Gabbert six times. The offensive line, especially LG Eben Britton, looked lost early in the game and allowed the Bengals defense to set the easily set the tone.
With the win the Bengals increase to 3-1 and the Jaguars join the Titans at 1-3 and at the bottom of the AFC South.
– Luke N. Sims
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