Weekly Superlatives: Jaguars @ Ravens
The Jaguars clipped the Ravens on Sunday, escaping Baltimore with a hard fought 22-20 victory, fueled by a last second Jason Myers field goal. This one feels good for fans and players alike as the Jaguars inch closer to the division lead. This game was filled with exciting moments and stellar individual performances.
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
MVP: Allen Hurns — Hurns was able to further his team record by catching a receiving TD in his seventh straight game. He hauled in 5 passes for a total of 62 yards and a score, despite being questionable all week with a foot injury. Hurns has been the model of consistency this season, playing well, even while injured. This former undrafted free agent has now burst on to the national scene as a fantasy stud and a true impact player. Debate has already heated up as to who is the better Allen playing receiver for the Jaguars. We don’t care who’s better, we’re just happy that the Jags employ them both.
Offensive Player of the Week: Allen Robinson — Obviously, his partner in crime, Allen Hurns is deserving of this award, but seeing as how Hurns already won MVP, we’re going to spread the love. Robinson, like Hurns, was able to put 6 points on the board for the Jags. He also recorded 5 catches for 51 yards and was an integral part of the Jags offense against the Ravens. Robinson might not have crossed the goal line in seven straight games, but he has scored five times in the last five games. The Brothers Allen have been a godsend for a franchise that had been lacking talented wide receivers for the better part of the 21st century.
Defensive Player of the Week: Davon House — There are several players that are deserving of this award, including Telvin Smith, who recorded 12 tackles and now has the third most tackles in the NFL, but the most deserving player was Davon House. He picked off Joe Flacco twice in the game, recording the first two interceptions of the year for the Jaguars’ secondary. In addition to making two crucial interceptions, House also recorded 8 tackles. This was a breakout performance for the first year Jag — the type of performance that the Jaguars are expecting out of the 6 million dollar man.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Jason Myers — Yes, Myers did miss a chip shot field goal that would have given the Jaguars the lead late in the game, but he made his other three attempts and made the play of the game and the season, drilling a 53 yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Jaguars a 22-20 road victory. Myers has battled through adversity all year, and is starting to look like he may be the answer at kicker after all.
Needs the Most Improvement: The Jaguars Running Game — Rookie Running back, T.J. Yeldon, was able to rush for 61 yards on the day, but it wasn’t efficient as he averaged less than four yards per carry. The offensive line isn’t opening enough holes for Yeldon to run through and when they do, he seems to be dancing a little bit too much. Yeldon and the offensive line need to get in sync, as the Jaguars will need to be able to rely on their rushing attack moving forward.
This game had many of the same narratives as the Jaguars’ losses have this season, but a different ending as the defense was able to cause 4 turnovers, Jason Myers was able to seal the deal with a 53 yard kick, and the Jaguars were able to get just a little bit lucky with Elvis Dumervil committing a face mask penalty on the last play of regulation that gave the Jaguars a shot at a long field goal. The Jaguars got a little banged up in Baltimore Sunday, but they will need to regroup quickly as they host the Titans in just 4 days on Thursday Night Football!