The Jacksonville Jaguars return to 2016 in their first home game

The Jaguars returned to their 2016 form today.  The defense looked good in the first half but lost heart in the third quarter.  The offense was just BAD.  

Enthused fans and players came to the first home game hopeful when the Jaguars took the field .  Excitement was in the air.  In addition, expectations were high.  This was the ” year of the Jaguar.”  The first quarter went well.  The defense looked good and the offense was….acceptable.  The first half was OK.  Then the air went out of the balloon.  Let’s look at why.

THE PASSING GAME

The passing stats look decent but most of them were garbage stats.  The Titans played a soft defense in the fourth quarter to prevent quick scores. This allowed the Jags to  built up some meaningless statistics.  In addition Bortles found no rhythm.  Also he was inaccurate on many passes. He had 11 completions for 89 yards in the first three quarters. This is just not winning football.

THE RUNNING GAME

The running game started out solid.  Leonard Fournette had 7 rushes for 28 yards.  However, the Titans loaded up the box and dared the Jaguars to pass.  It went downhill from there.  The Titans defensive line dominated the Jaguars offensive line. There were some yards gained in the fourth quarter but it was too little too late. The Titans played a soft defense during the fourth quarter to avoid the big play.

THE DEFENSE

The defense looked solid at the beginning of the game.  The enthusiasm was there.  Sadly, as the game progressed the defense began to tire and frustration set in.  Tony Boselli said it best. “The air went our of the defense in the third quarter after being given two short fields to defend.”  They probably should rise above the play of the offense but they didn’t.  The result was the Titans offensive line dominated them the entire second half.

WHERE DO THE JAGUARS GO FROM HERE

Next game is in London against the Baltimore Ravens.  It is a chance for redemption. Certainly a team can’t be judged by one bad game.  The Jaguars have many high caliber players on defense and some potential stars on offense.  Also the kicking game and special teams are solid.  Marrone needs to burn the midnight oil and come up with a plan or this will be another long, sad season.