The Jaguars host Philadelphia: Three players to watch in London

When the Jacksonville Jaguars touch down in London this weekend to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, they will only have one thing on their minds – stopping a three-game losing streak.

There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about the importance of this game between two teams with 3-4 records and a chance both franchises will miss the playoffs. While the game in London continues to be part of the Jaguars home schedule, it now has more meaning this week than in year’s past.

This is a week to win and correct the issues that have plagued this franchise the past three contests – minus the injuries. While the Jaguars rank 29th in quarterback protection and 23rd in the league in rushing offense, not all the blame can be placed on that side of the ball.

The defense isn’t getting to the quarterback. The run defense is surrendering too many yards, especially in the Dallas and Houston games. Interceptions have been hard to come by.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

Head coach Doug Marrone told the media this week he is sticking with Blake Bortles at quarterback because he feels the fifth-year starter gives the team the best chance to win. The leash on his quarterback will be short. Cody Kessler is ready but is limited in ability. Hopefully, either of them – whichever is on the field, can manage the game effectively and come away with a much-needed win.

When the Jaguars take the field on Sunday, these are the three players to watch as this franchise tries to salvage the first half of its season prior to the bye week.

Keelan Cole – The Jaguars wide receiver looked like he would be the team’s best option in the passing game at the start of the season, but has fallen into an abyss ever since.

Last week, Keelan Cole caught only two passes while being targeted seven times. Cole is a fast receiver who must challenge the Eagles secondary when he has opportunities to make catches.

He must also solve his issues with dropped passes. The same goes for Donte Moncrief in terms of production. The free agent signee was targeted 10 times and had seven catches, but still needs to do more in this offense.

Jaguars run defense – Malik Jackson, Marcell Dareus and Abry Jones must do a better job in stopping the running game. Houston’s Lamar Miller ran for 100 yards last week. The week before Ezekiel Elliott went over the century mark.

Jackson had been playing his best football at the start of this year but has tailed off some. Dareus and Jones have to pick things up a bit. With no Jay Ajayi in the lineup, the Eagles may change their game plan to focus more on the passing game.

When they run the ball with Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement, Jacksonville must shut them down.

Doug Marrone – There are other obvious choices here, but I am hoping to see Marrone and his coaching staff do a better job of coaching this week.

Four weeks ago, after beating the New York Jets, Jacksonville was 3-1 and looked like a sure-fire playoff team. Now, they look like a team that will pick in the middle of the first round. Can Marrone regroup and bring this team together after a tumultuous last three weeks?

Everyone in Jacksonville hopes the popular Marrone and his coordinators can figure this out before the season is lost.