Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts: Pro Football Focus Recap

Sep 29, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch reviews plays as he talks to quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) in the second quarter of their game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars played one quarter of competitive football against the Indianapolis Colts before sinking into complete ineptness and getting thrashed 37-3. This four game stretch to being the 2013 season has been arguably the most pathetic string of games in Jaguar history. The team has been bad across the board, but the most disturbing ineptness has been on offense. You occasionally have to remind yourself that this is a professional football team with actual NFL players being paid American currency.

It’s been painful, but the advanced metrics from our friends at Pro Football Focus have helped us breakdown the how and why of the Jaguars terrible start. Here’s how week 4 played out according to PFF:

Best Overall Offensive Grades:  Eugene Monroe (+0.3), Clay Harbor (+0.1), Marcedes Lewis (+0.0)

“Best” offensive grade is definitely relative this week, as Eugene Monroe had the highest one with a measly (+0.3). To see just how comically ineffective the Jaguars were on offense, you don’t need to look further than these offensive grades. Only TWO players had a positive grade, and Lewis’ neutral grade is based on the 2 snaps he played before he got hurt. Everyone else was in the red and it really isn’t surprising.

Best Overall Defensive Grades:  Will Blackmon (+4.8), Jeremy Mincey (+3.1), Russell Allen (+2.2)

Will Blackmon was definitely the best player on the field for Jacksonville last Sunday and his advanced statistics back that up. His grade would be even better if his first interception early in the game wasn’t nullified by a penalty. He only allowed 3 receptions on 8 balls thrown his way and had 3 passes defended overall. Jeremy Mincey had 5 quarterback hurries and was the only consistent pass rushing presence on the defense. Russell Allen had a decent game in pretty much every facet and he even managed to notch a sack on an overload blitz.

Most Disappointing Grades: Will Rackley (-3.6), Luke Joeckel (-2.2), Brad Meester (-1.5), Josh Evans (-4.4), Johnathan Cyprien (-4.5), Jason Babin (-1.5)

It’s safe to assume that Will Rackley is going to be a weekly staple at the bottom of the grades, at least until he gets benched. He gave up 6 combined QB hits and hurries in addition to his poor run blocking. At least he’s got company at the bottom in the form of his fellow offensive linemen. Joeckel and Meester both had their grades driven down by poor run blocking, but Joeckel also gave up 4 QB hurries.

Johnathan Cyprien has been at the bottom of the defensive grades every week and it really hasn’t been close. His (-4.5) grade and Evans’ (-4.4) grade were the worst by a pretty significant margin. It should come as no surprise since Andrew Luck had a perfect 158.3 passer rating throwing at the direction of the two safeties. Jason Babin continues to destroy his grade with stupid penalties despite providing a decent pass rush.

Other notes:

• Despite some pretty awful conventional stats (53.1% completion, 179 yards, 3 INTs), Blaine Gabbert didn’t have that terrible a grade (-1.4). He was victimized by some bad offensive line play (see above) and 5 drops.
• It’s hard to get into a groove running the ball when you get down so big, but Maurice Jones-Drew hasn’t been very good. He averaged 1.8 yards per carry last Sunday despite the game being close in the first quarter. Again, bad offensive line play hasn’t helped Jones-Drew either.
• Sen’Derrick Marks, along with Will Blackmon, has been one of David Caldwell’s savviest moves this past offseason. He continues to provide a much needed interior pass rush(+1.2) and holds his won against the run as well.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89