Jacksonville Jaguars, It Is Time to Run the Ball
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been predictable in their offense and need to bring balance by running the ball in key situations with Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon.
As a painful reminder back to September 11 vs the Green Bay Packers, the Jacksonville Jaguars were in position to win the game late in the fourth quarter. A pesky but manageable 4th and one is where everything went into a downward spiral carrying over into the game against the San Diego Chargers
In the huddle, almost every play in the playbook is a possibility. The Jaguars line up in the gun – no chance for a quick-snap QB sneak for the first. Looking to the right, Allen Hurns can catch a screen and run for four yards, right? No. He caught it for -1 yard and another Jaguars loss.
Why not run the ball on 4th and one? Why not run the play from under center – just to keep the defense guessing? There are many different plays that come to mind. Try a QB sneak – Blake Bortles is not a fragile player. A play action pass is another option that they could have tried. The Jaguars have many targets that can catch. Or how about just a straight handoff to T. J. Yeldon, being led by a real fullback!
The Jacksonville Jaguars have rushed for 117 yards and one touchdown, ranking them 30th in the league. Yeldon has 28 carries for 67 yards and one TD. Combine that with his receiving stats, 12 receptions for 40 yards, he has 40 touches for 107 yards and one TD. Sadly, 15 yards is Yeldon’s longest rush from scrimmage. (Check it out here)
What can the Jaguars do?
First, Chris Ivory needs to get healthy and into the starting line up.
More from Black and Teal
- Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
- Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
- Bold trade proposal has Jacksonville Jaguars shipping LT Cam Robinson
- Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
Secondly, Jaguars offensive coordinator Greg Olson needs to disguise his formations in certain situations. He usually and obviously passes from his passing formations, unless Bortles has to scramble. Play action passing from a run formation usually works. (Are you able to guess whether its a run or pass by the formation and personnel they line up in?)
Thirdly, think about getting a running back that can score from anywhere on the field. They are hard to find and keep healthy, but so far the Jaguars have had only one run for over 20 yards.
The season is still young and the division and playoffs are still in reach, but hey, they could still do it.
Jacksonville, it is time to run the ball!