Jaguars Look to Improve on Third Down
One area the Jaguars need to show growth in is third-down on both sides of the ball.
I recently looked back at some of the 2015 NFL.com statistics for the Jaguars and while there were some impressive numbers it was clear there is still work to be done. The Jaguars improved from previous years in categories like first downs, passing yards, and touchdowns however this offseason one area of focus needs to be on third down.
Last season offensively the Jaguars were 72/205 on third down for a 35.1 completion percentage. The issue with this completion percentage is that it represents a larger problem for the Jags in how the team’s drives would stall and leave valuable points on the board. Every once in awhile that’s not a problem but if it gets in the way of a team being competitive then it becomes a big issue. The Jaguars used this offseason primarily upgrading the defense but look for running back Chris Ivory and left tackle Mackenzy Bernadeau to make an impact on first and second down helping making those third down conversions a little easier.
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This problem is concerning and it wasn’t only limited to the offensive side of the ball. Defensively the team gave 105/227 on third down for a 46.2 completion percentage, when you can’t stop anyone on third down it gives the opponent more chances to score. The Jaguars seemed to address the porous play on defense last season by signing defensive free agents Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson and drafting players like Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack to bring some grit to that side of the ball. I feel It could take some time for all the new faces to get comfortable playing together but watch as the season unfolds for the defense to improve and eventually become a problem for opposing offensives.
While the Jaguars have plenty of room for growth in 2016 improving on third down should be one of the primary goals of the offseason. It sounds simple enough but if the Jaguars can figure out third down then watch this fall for the team to add some more w’s to the win column.