Jacksonville Jaguars Week 8 Power Rankings: No Respect

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The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled one out of the hat this past weekend, barely squeaking by a shorthanded Buffalo Bills team 34-31 after squandering a 27-3 lead. There are really two ways to frame the Jaguars’ recent victory – they blew a huge lead against a backup quarterback, or they fought through adversity and finally found a way to win a game.

The reality probably lies somewhere in between, but it’s a lot easier to take one of the extreme viewpoints and run with it, as we’ll see below.

Here’s where the Jaguars fell in some of the power rankings around the web after a much needed win:

FanSided

"31. Jacksonville JaguarsThe Jags won their second home game of the season on Sunday … kinda. Jacksonville traveled to its home away from home, jolly old England, to defeat the Buffalo Bills inside Wembley Stadium.It wasn’t the prettiest of affairs, and the Jags made sure that the Bills stayed in it to the end. After laying low for three quarters, Buffalo fought back for 18 unanswered in the fourth and looked like victors for a brief moment. Jacksonville had to create a late Allen Hurns touchdown to save victory.So what did we all learn from this? Well, that when creating some turnovers the Jags can actually do a little work. Blake Bortles looked good on the game-winning drive. And T.J. Yeldon gets a little better each week.It’s been a tough year for Jacksonville, but even in their losses the team has played competitively. Sunday’s game against Buffalo showed some of the progress Jacksonville has made. The real test will be if they can continue momentum off the bye week."

FOX Sports

"26. Jaguars (2-5) HIGH: 26 / LOW: 32The Jaguars have hit their stride on offense thanks to a young core, but they must avoid turnovers going forward if they want to take the wide-open AFC South. The defense remains among the NFL’s worst against both the run and pass — Blake Bortles needs to protect the football but also press down the field."

ESPN.com

"32. JaguarsA 2-5 start might not be looked upon positively for most teams, but this is actually the best seven-game start for the Jaguars since 2011."

CBS Sports – Pete Prisco

"29. JaguarsThey found a way to win, which is big for a young team. They head to their bye only a game out in the division. Unreal."

CBS Sports – Pat Kirwan

"28. Jaguars :Blake Bortles is starting to look like he can be the guy. He has receiving weapons, a good young back, and I like the way the defensive line is playing. Now they just have to learn how to put away opponents. Last Week: 32"

NFL.com – Elliot Harrison

"28. JaguarsWhat a win for the entire Jaguars organization. I’m talking players, coaches and front-office folks. Sure, the offense got bailed out by that terrible PI call on Nickell Robey late in the fourth quarter. Yet, give the Jags — especially Allen Hurns — credit for making plays in the waning moments. Hurns’ lunging, twisting, shoulder-slamming grab was outstanding. Want to see it again? Enjoy."

My take:

I understand not wanting to be reactionary, but it’s kind of ridiculous to keep the Jaguars at 32 (looking at you ESPN). I get it, the Jaguars barely managed to get past EJ Manuel, but the Jaguars are only one game back of the Indianapolis Colts in a horrendous division.

I’m not exactly skyrocketing the Jaguars up my own rankings, but I’d be hard pressed to call them the worst team in football after a win.

My ranking for the Jaguars after week 6: 30

Next: Week 7 prediction recap

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