5 Storylines to Watch For: Jets vs. Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars look to go 3-1 after an abysmal home performance against the Tennessee Titans.
Last week wasn’t pretty, by any means, but a new week brings a new opponent. Despite the spread and expert predictions, the Jaguars must take the Jets seriously. In order to be considered one of the elite teams in the NFL, the Jaguars have to win games like these. The Jaguars played the New York Jets last season and lost in overtime time in the final seconds, 23-20.
Not only will the Jaguars be looking to get revenge on a young Jets team, but also bounce back from an offensive handicapped performance and get back in the win column.
Fournette set to go
The Jaguars could’ve used Leonard Fournette last week — having not gotten in the end zone — but the tone-setting running back announced on Twitter that he will be playing this week for the first time since week one. Fournette was a full participant in practice for the first time this week but was listed as questionable. In the small dose, we’ve seen of him,
Fournette ran for 41 yards on nine carries in week one. In last season’s loss to the Jets, Fournette ran for 86 yards on 24 carries but also had 59 receiving yards on four catches, one going for a touchdown.
Bounce Back for Bortles, Jags Offense?
The past two weeks have been night and day for Blake Bortles and the Jaguars’ offense. Bortles went 21-34, throwing for only 155 yards. The offense seemed stagnant against a solid Titans defense — not having an offensive snap in the red zone — and the Jets defense is also no exception.
Before getting concussed last week on Thursday Night Football, Cleveland Browns QB Tyrod Taylor went 4-14 for 14 yards, getting sacked three times. The Jets defense swarmed on Taylor, bringing pressure to disrupt his rhythm. Look for the Jets to do the same against Bortles, who could be without A.J. Cann (triceps).
Sam Darnold Against Sacksonville
One of the more intriguing storylines this week has to be Jets’ rookie QB Sam Darnold against the Jaguars defense. Darnold exploded onto the league in week one but has fallen back to earth since, losing the last two games.
Nevertheless, Darnold will be a test for the Jaguars, that will now be without CB D.J. Hayden. No one in the Jaguars’ vaunted secondary has gotten their hands on the football, which is bound to change.
Quincy Enunwa has proved to be Darnold’s favorite target, which could mean we see Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey lineup against him more than Robby Anderson.
Jets Run Game Against Jags Run Defense
The Jets boast one of, if not the most underrated running back tandem in the league with Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell.
"“They are special,” Jaguars DE Calais Campbell told Jacksonville reporters on Wednesday. “They’re two of the most underrated players. People don’t think about them enough, but they’re great running backs.”"
The Jaguars are currently the 20th ranked rush defense in the league, allowing 115.5 yards per game. In last season’s game, the Jets ran for 256 yards. The Jaguars will need to contain the run… and make sure to touch either Crowell and Powell when they hit the ground.
Back to the Groove
Although Malik Jackson’s 16-0 prediction ended early on, the Jaguars are still a team to be reckoned with in the NFL.
Under Doug Marrone, the Jaguars are 7-1 following a loss, which means the team will be motivated to get back on track, especially with the possible toughest stretch of the season starting next week.