Jaguars vs Panthers: 3 causes for concern
By Luke Sims
Oct 19, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith (50) makes a cut on Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio (75) as he returns an interception in the fourth quarter of their game at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars best the Cleveland Browns 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Creating Turnovers
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been absolutely terrible at creating turnovers in the last couple of years and the 2015 preseason was no exception.
The defensive secondary struggles to hold onto the ball, we’ve seen players like linebacker Thurston Armbrister juggle balls better than most circus performers, and we’ve seen fumbles bounce fortuitously back to the offense.
I’d love to say it’s time for the Jaguars to create turnovers and capitalize on them, but it just doesn’t seem like 2015 is going to be that year (at least so far). I’m seeing a lot of hands on balls, but I’m not seeing those plays completed to result in turnovers, and that’s a cause for concern with the Jags.
Taking the ball away from running back Jonathan Stewart (16 career fumbles in seven seasons) and quarterback Cam Newton (30 fumbles, 54 interceptions in four seasons) shouldn’t be impossible, so there is a glimmer of hope here, but if any team misses on opportunities to create turnovers, it’s the Jaguars.
The Jaguars were 30th in the NFL last season with just six interceptions, so they may be better off looking for fumble recoveries (21 recoveries and 19 forced in 2014).
While the opportunities will be there in this Jaguars vs Panthers game, the inability to create turnovers over the last couple of seasons and in the 2015 preseason makes this a concern. Defenses can create opportunities for offenses and the Jags need to step up.
Next: A hobbled team makes an appearance