Three Bold Predictions: Can the Jaguars win in London?
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars could surprise fans this week with a strong showing at Wembley Stadium in London. Here are three bold predictions for the game.
The trip to London is proving to be one the Jacksonville Jaguars have been able to chalk up as a win the past three seasons. This time around, the game against the Philadelphia Eagles is as much of a “must-win” game as there has been during the time Doug Marrone has been the head coach of this franchise.
"Per the Jaguars public relations (through their weekly game release), “The Jaguars’ three-game winning streak at Wembley includes wins over Baltimore on Sept. 24, 2017 (44-7), Indianapolis on Oct. 2, 2016 (30-27) and Buffalo on Oct. 25, 2015 (34-31). During the Jaguars’ three-game winning streak at Wembley Stadium (2015-17), Jacksonville has registered eight takeaways while turning the ball over once.”"
Those are the kinds of numbers defensive coordinator Todd Wash would love to see once again as the defense has not been the juggernaut it was last season and is now feeling the injury bug as three cornerbacks, A.J. Bouye, D.J. Hayden and Tyler Patmon could all miss the contest across the pond with injuries.
The Jaguars would welcome any good news right now as the offense is still dealing with its share of injuries that seem to have affected each unit on that side of the ball sans the quarterback.
The Jaguars have promoted CB Dee Delaney from the practice squad and placed LB Donald Payne (knee) on IR. The Jaguars needed help at corner because of injuries to A.J. Bouye (calf), D.J. Hayden (toe), and Tyler Patmon (neck). All three were expected to... https://t.co/TgxKDlx3De
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 25, 2018
With history lately on the “home” team’s side, the Jaguars will look to the friendly confines of Wembley Stadium to erase the past three weeks of frustration. Here are three BOLD predictions for the Jaguars.
The offensive scores on his first three possessions – I’m aiming for the fences with this prediction. A fumble on the first series against the Houston Texans and a fumble on the first series in the second half of the 20-7 loss last week. It can’t get much worse than that.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett must open up the playbook and give this unit a chance to move the football. If running three straight plays is what works best, then stick with it.
The Jaguars have scored 28 points in three games. They have nothing to lose in this case. Scoring consistently is something of a lost art form in Jacksonville.
Blake Bortles throws for 300 yards and three touchdowns – The best way for Blake Bortles to silence the critics at least for one week is to come out and play as he did against the New England Patriots.
The past three weeks have been as awful a stretch as there has been in two seasons for the Jaguars, who have not scored in the last three first halves for the first time ever in franchise history. Can the wide receivers get open and will Bortles have the time in the pocket to throw?
If the offensive line stands its ground, Bortles may be able to find receivers on the outside.
Dante Fowler gets three sacks – This might be the most believable prediction I have made. Dante Fowler could have a huge game against the Eagles offensive line. While Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell are still looking to “breakout” as dominant pass rushers this season.
If the Jaguars get out to a lead (everyone please say a prayer), the Eagles will pass on first and second down. Fowler could be the third pass rusher on the field and excel.