The Jacksonville Jaguars can still make the playoffs

 There is still hope the Jacksonville Jaguars can make the playoffs.

The Jaguars lost a game on Sunday that some thought was a must-win.  However, the team must move forward with the hope of still being in the playoff hunt.

The Jaguars defense under Todd Wash and now the offense, under the guidance of John DeFilippo, have each been accused of losing a game this season. The defense looked bad against the Indianapolis Colts and the offense looked bad against the New Orleans Saints. There is no reason that the Jaguars won’t improve as the season continues.  The offensive line hasn’t played as a unit long enough to gel and the defense has many youngsters on the field.

Playing-time together should improve both units.

The team goal for the 2019 season remains, of course, to make the playoffs. The best way to make the playoffs is to win the division. Jacksonville currently has a division record of 1-1.  In simple terms, the Jaguars must win the rest of our division games. The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts are both off to a solid start so the team can’t falter if it plans to win the division. Jacksonville is tied for last place with the Titans but remember, it’s a long season.

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A look at the team’s next three opponents gives the team hope for some wins.  The next game is against the Cincinnati Bengals with an 0-6 record.

"According to Anthony Consenza of Cincy Jungle, “When it comes to the Bengals winless start in the 2019 regular season, there are differing opinions on what’s plaguing the squad.”"

The major concerns are; defensive struggles, inconsistent quarterback play, and poor play calling.  None of this will likely improve this season so the Jaguars should win this game.

The following week the Jaguars play the New York Jets with a 1-4 record so far this season. As Andy Vasquez of northjersey.com writes, there is still optimism for this team moving forward.

"“A lot has happened in the first few weeks of the Jets season. Almost none of it has been good….An 0-3 start has almost certainly put the playoffs out of reach. But this season was never about being a contender.”"

The Jets lost their franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold, to mononucleosis early season, however, he has returned. Their star defender, C.J. Mosley has been out. The team doesn’t expect to be in the playoff mix so the Jaguars should win this game as well.

Next comes our division rival the Houston Texans a team that is currently 4-2 and playing very well. Two former Jaguars are playing well for the Texans, Carlos Hyde, and Tashaun Gipson. Deshaun Watson is a stud at quarterback. The fact that they defeated Kansas City in Kansas City in a come-from-behind victory tells you how good this team can be.

This is a tough match-up for the Jaguars.

If the team wins all three of the above games their record would be 5-4 and the playoff conversation could begin again. If they win two of three, it gets more difficult.  There is a bye week after the next three games and depending on our record, it’s possible fans could see changes made to the roster and possibly within the organization. It’s also possible the team will stay the course until the end of the season.

The path to a possible playoff spot is a difficult one but for Jacksonville, it becomes more possible if they win games they should and surprise a few teams along the way.