Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Needs To Improve
By Luke Sims
Special teams doesn’t get talked about as much as offense or defense, but for the Jacksonville Jaguars – who have problems all over – need to have some light shined on the poor play that has been problematic for the team so far this season. The Jags could very well be 1-5 instead of 0-6 had Josh Scobee’s late field goal not been blocked against the Tennessee Titans this past week.
It was the second field goal of Scobee’s that has been blocked this season. He only missed two field goals all of last season.
The special teams unit also allowed a 50 yard kickoff return to Leon Washington against the Titans.
The Jaguars need to find a way to tackle better and block better so they aren’t struggling in all phases of the game. Punter Bryan Anger gets plenty of work and Josh Scobee is an excellent kicker, but the team needs to make sure that they can capitalize on their talents. That means better kick coverage and better blocking. The return game can get better as well. Jordan Todman is averaging just over 26 yards per kick return and Ace Sanders is averaging just under five yards per punt return.
As the Jaguars take on the Cleveland Browns this week an easy way to improve would be to clamp down on special teams. While the defense has been making strides lately and the offense could be successful under Blake Bortles, special teams doesn’t appear to be as daunting of a task to “fix.” A lot of it is finding a way for the fundamentals and assignments to not be overlooked.
An emphasis should be placed on special teams by head coach Gus Bradley going forward.
It’s time the unit gets more attention so that they can help the Jaguars succeed rather than be part of the problem.