Jaguars lose to the Buccaneers as Minshew Mania returns to Jacksonville

The Buccaneers soundly defeated the Jaguars in a game that resulted in the benching of quarterback Nick Foles and the second coming of Gardner Minshew.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to play. Unfortunately, the Jacksonville Jaguars did not. At least for a half, they looked flat and lifeless. Tampa Bay made the right moves on defense and adjusted to take control of the game early, winning 28-11.

The anger and hostility of the home crowd were like nothing I’ve ever seen in more than 50 years of attending football games. I was very excited to attend the game, my first and second NFL favorites were playing.  I had great seats and an extra added attraction was Teal Man five rows in front of us.

The group in our area was an eclectic mix of season ticket holders, Bucs fans, and people who occasionally came to the games. The anger amongst them was apparent from the first play.

The women were the most hostile, by the way. It was great to talk to these people and discover what real fans think. Believe me, it’s not like the “experts” who give their opinion on a daily basis.

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Jaguars starter Nick Foles turned the ball over, which led to two Tampa Bay touchdowns on the first two drives. The jeers become more apparent as fans became more insistent with the calls of “Minshew, Minshew”, which got louder.

As Foles returned to the field, the boo birds got louder as well, showing their disapproval for the veteran coming back into the game. When half time came. the boos were deafening.

After the half, the decision was made to put Gardner Minshew on the field as the Jaguars quarterback. The cheers were just as loud in approval by the fans in the stands. It was obvious that Minshew brings energy and charisma that was missing to the offense.

Jacksonville looked sharper, the offense had energy, the play was faster. I could go on and on but it was so obvious no one could doubt it. The Jaguars didn’t win the game but we won the second half 11-3.

The Jaguars have more issues than quarterback. The play calling is plain awful. There was no lead blocker for running back Leonard Fournette, which meant few gains at the line of scrimmage. The offensive line could not pass or run block effectively. The wide receivers are OK, but if you saw the catches Tampa Bay’s receivers make in traffic you would know Jacksonville’s players have to improve on the field.

Fournette, DJ Chark, Dede Westbrook, and Chris Conley have potential with good coaching and play calling.

Also, Jameis Winston played well for the Buccaneers, throwing no interceptions and was able to connect with his receivers on deep plays against Jacksonville’s secondary.

It was also obvious that Donald Payne should be the middle linebacker for our team. He had 13 tackles and one sack and looked like a leader on the field. Rookie Josh Allen continued to impress with six tackles and one sack. Todd Wash (defensive coordinator) may not be my favorite but he was out front the entire game watching, coaching, and hopefully, learning.

There is nothing like being at the game in the middle of long-term fans to get the pulse of this fanbase.  Minshew needs to remain the starter and changes need to be made. I believe the Jaguars would have won the game with him as a starter. There is hope for the future.