First Quarter Review – Jacksonville Jaguars On Track for Historically Awful Season

Sep 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Adams (28) and free safety Usama Young (26) combine for the sack against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

With their fourth regular season game in the books, we can reflect on the first quarter of the Jacksonville Jaguars 2013 season. Expectations were tempered after a tumultuous offseason that included wholesale organizational changes at every level. Still, I don’t think many people expected such a horrendous string of performances to start the season.

Worst of the Worst

Here are some of the most disheartening statistics so far in the 2013 season:

• The Jaguars have been outscored 129-31 in four games. That comes out to an average of 7.75 points scored per game.
• The Jaguars’ offense is averaging 224.0 yards per game, almost 50 yards less than the second worst offense in Tamp Bay.
• The Jacksonville defense is allowing 164.3 rushing yards per game, over 20 yards more than the second worst team in Washington.
• Cecil Shorts III is currently second in the league in drops, credited with 5 in 4 games.
• Maurice Jones-Drew is averaging a measly 2.4 yards per attempt, one of the league’s lowest numbers among players with more than 50 carries.

Look at the bright side?

Sep 29, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Will Blackmon (24) makes an interception which was reversed due to a defensive penalty past Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (81) during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Besides our impending high draft pick, there have been a some highlights among the disappointment.

• Despite his drops, Cecil Shorts III is tied for the league lead in targets with A.J. Green (51) and has the same amount of receptions (26) for more yards (337).
• The Jaguars are 11th in the league in overall pass defense, allowing 222.8 yards per game. Part of it has to do with teams trying to run out the clock as early as the third quarter, but it’s still a bright spot.
• Will Blackmon is the 6th highest graded cornerback according to Pro Football Focus with an overall grade of (+5.4). Quarterbacks have just a 71.7 passer rating throwing in his direction.
• Bryan Anger has the most punt yards of any punter (1492 yards). Ok that’s not a positive, but at least we’re getting our money’s worth out of that third rounder… *sobs uncontrollably*

First Quarter Grades

Offense – F

Defense- C-

The offense has had almost no redeeming performances at any position so far in 2013. The quarterbacks, the offensive line, the running backs, and the receiving corps have all had their fair share of poor outings. We knew it would be rough at quarterback, but the offensive line was supposed to be somewhat of a strength. The only thing we can hang our hat on is at least we know that Caldwell is probably going to replace the 3 interior linemen next year. Justin Blackmon’s return should also help the offense, and this grade should improve in the second leg of the season.

The defense hasn’t been good, but it’s consistently been put in tough situations due to the offense. Through week 3, opponents had an average starting field position at the 33 yard line, well above the league average at the 27 yard line. With the offense having so many 3 and outs early in the game, the defense is forced to try and stop opposing teams with very little rest in between drives. In the first three games, the Jaguars offense was going three-and-out a staggering 45% of the time. The defense doesn’t stand a chance with so little help on the other side of the ball.

It can’t get much worse and I really don’t think it will. There are a lot of young players on this team and they can only get better with more playing time. Just keep your head down and we’ll find a win somewhere. Hopefully.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89