Jacksonville Jaguars Week 15 Power Rankings: Fast risers
By Daniel Lago
The Jacksonville Jaguars are riding high after thoroughly embarrassing the Indianapolis Colts 51-16 this past Sunday, and rightfully so. It was the team’s most complete effort in 2015 and it showed the potential of this team when they are clicking on all cylinders.
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The Jaguars still have some extremely slim hopes of making the playoffs, but they have to win all 3 of their remaining games and hope the Texans and Colts both stumble a bit down the stretch. It’s a longshot, but never say never.
Here’s where the Jaguars fell in some of the power rankings around the web after blowing out the Colts:
"25. Jacksonville JaguarsDon’t look now, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are coming together. For the first time in what seems like ages, the boys from DUVAAAAAL finally have a team they can be proud of.First and foremost, it starts with Blake Bortles. The second-year quarterback has finally made the leap, and boasts an 8– touchdown-to-interception ration in the past two games. Sure, the Jags are 1-1 in those contests, but it has nothing to do with their quarterback’s play. He has developed incredible chemistry with Allen Robinson, and no Sunday against the Colts reminded the world that Allen Hurns still existed.Speaking of that game against the Indianapolis Colts … wow! That is what you call a statement win. Not only was it over the division’s perennial alpha, but it was against a team looking to bolster its footing in the playoff race. Sunday’s contest was a showing of what can happen when the Jags’ defense and offense both play at the level they’re capable.Crazy to think, but if Jacksonville had take care of business against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13, they’d be right up at the top in the thick of the division race. They still could make a playoff push, as all three of their games – Atlanta, New Orleans and Houston – are very winnable. This team is peaking at the right time."
"21. Jaguars (5-8) HIGH: 21 / LOW: 32The Jaguars still have a long way to go on defense, but second-year quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown for more touchdown passes (30) than everyone but Tom Brady and Carson Palmer."
"21. Jaguars Jacksonville has scored 90 points the past two weeks. That’s 11 more than any other team in that time, and 84 more than the Chargers, who beat the Jaguars three weeks ago."
"24. JaguarsThey have the makings of one of the NFL’s best offenses. Now they have to fix the defense."
"22. JaguarsMaybe it’s an enjoyment of chaos, but I want the Jaguars to win the AFC South. They’re only a game back."
"21. JaguarsWe snapped the Jaguars near the center of the Power Rankings, but the reasoning sailed over everyone’s heads. Other than one really awful play in the first half, Gus Bradley should allow his players to only watch game film of the second half. Everyone has had enough of 4-12 around here. Let these players think they’re world beaters who put up 50-burgers in their sleep. The”Greatest Show on Turf” Rams were one slow offense in 1998 — and in ’99, they started believing in what they could do. Getting Marshall Faulk helped, sure — but don’t go ruining my analogy with details … #Yeldon"
Next: Jags v. Colts prediction recap
My take:
The Jaguars are deservedly higher in every power ranking this week, but I still don’t trust the defense. Blitzing the crap out of a 40-year old Matt Hasselbeck is one thing, doing it against good quarterbacks and succeeding is another. The Jaguars have to face Matt Ryan and Drew Brees in the next few weeks. If they play well against those QBs then I’ll change my tune on this team.
My ranking for the Jaguars after week 14: 26