5 Storylines to Watch: Eagles vs. Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost three straight. Doubts have arisen regarding the team’s ability to win the division and make the playoffs.
In the midst of all this, the Jaguars make a trip to London for the sixth straight season to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Fans of the Black and Teal should be cognizant of these storylines going into this week’s game across the pond.
The BOAT is Sinking – Last week, QB Blake Bortles earned a spot on the bench after a dismal performance against the Houston Texans. The Jaguars turned to QB Cody Kessler in the second half, who went 21-30 for 156 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
"“I just literally did it to try and get a damn spark from this football team to put everyone on notice,” Jaguars HC Doug Marrone told reporters last Sunday."
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Bortles was renamed the starting QB early in the week, but ESPN insider Adam Schefter tweeted last Monday that the former 2014 third-overall pick would be on a “short leash.” It will be interesting to see how patient Jacksonville’s coaches will be with Bortles, especially against an Eagles defense that has struggled in the secondary, allowing 269.7 passing yards per game.
Will Hyde Bring a Well-Needed Spark? – Going into week seven the Jaguars traded for running back Carlos Hyde, who will make his team debut this Sunday. Hyde’s presence alone can force the Eagles to respect the Jaguars’ run game more than other teams have in previous weeks.
While in Cleveland, Hyde rushed for 382 yards and five touchdowns. With a running back combo of Hyde and T.J Yeldon, the Jaguars will try to establish the run game and take some pressure of Bortles. The Eagles have allowed a second-best 85.7 rushing yards per game.
Hyde’s start for the Jaguars could get them rolling, having not scored points in the first half of their last three games.
Jaguars’ Banged up Secondary Versus Wentz – The Jaguars have already ruled out CB’s A.J. Bouye, D.J. Hayden and Tyler Patmon. For the team, that means Jalen Ramsey, Quenton Meeks, and Tre Herndon will get the main CB responsibilities.
While Ramsey will likely shadow Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, the real wild card falls on Nelson Agholor and Jordan Matthews. The threat of the RPO [run-pass option] will loom large for Jacksonville, especially with inexperienced cornerbacks.
Pressure on Wentz – The Jaguars’ defensive line hasn’t performed to expectations thus far, but this could be the game they turn it around.
Turn on the film from last week and you’ll see that DE Yannick Ngakoue played a great game: that needs to continue. The Eagles have allowed a seventh worst 22 sacks on the season. With a thin secondary, it’s imperative for Jacksonville’s defensive line to limit Carson Wentz’s time in the pocket and force him into bad looks.
Seriously, This is a Must Win – At the midpoint of the NFL season, the Jaguars’ time to turn their season around is dwindling. Winning their last three games in London, Jacksonville is in desperate need of some momentum in a place they are comfortable at.
dark. Next. Jaguars Leonard Fournette ruled out for London
A win going into the bye week would be huge for the Jaguars’ spirit, as well as giving them an opportunity to get healthy. If not, the Jaguars could be active sellers at the trade deadline.