The Jaguars have had a “tricky” season so far in 2019
By David Levin
The Jaguars struggling offense prepares to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has a tough task this coming Sunday when it faces the Los Angeles Chargers at 4 PM from TIAA Bank Field.
Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo will work with Gardner Minshew this week as the quarterback was re-named the starter, replacing Nick Foles. As DeFilippo met with the media on Thursday, he spoke about the season, which he defined as “tricky”.
With changes at the quarterback position, injuries to multiple wide receivers, the lack of a pass-catching tight end and an offensive line that has played at a less than mediocre level at times this season, the best thing to do is to focus on the positives that have happened over the last 12 games.
Leonard Fournette is on the verge of a 1,000-yard season. DJ Chark has emerged as a true No. 1 wide receiver. Minshew is a mobile quarterback who gives this offense an injection of adrenaline.
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"“The Jaguars early this week changed starting quarterbacks, benching veteran Nick Foles for rookie Gardner Minshew II with four games remaining,” John Oehser of Jaguars.com wrote this week. “It marked the third time this season the Jaguars have changed the position, beginning with an injury to Foles 11 plays into the regular-season opener.”"
It’s a situation the entire coaching staff has had to work with and make adjustments. The same can be said for the players on the field.
"“I’m just going to be flat-out honest with you: it’s not ideal. But that’s the nature of the job,” DeFilippo explained.“That’s why you show up and you work every day and you grind and you stay together. You go into this thing together. It’s a team thing. We’re all feeling it and taking it one day at a time.”"
On Monday, head coach Doug Marrone announced he made the changes to put Minshew back in the lineup, citing his mobility as a bonus for this offense. Minshew has thrown 14 touchdown passes and five interceptions. His scrambling ability has kept drives alive for the team, despite the lack of scoring the second half of the season.
Jaguars coach Doug Marrone: Gardner Minshew's mobility and elusiveness gives them better chance of winning with way they're playing right now.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) December 2, 2019
The Jaguars have scored 47 points combined in their last four games – all losses.
"“The Jaguars are ranked 15th in the NFL in total offense, 12th in passing and 15th in rushing. But they are 26th in the NFL scoring, averaging just under 12 points a game during the current four-game losing streak,” Oehser added."
The Chargers defense is fourth in the NFL is giving up an average of just 250.1 yards per game. They are ninth in the league in surrendering 20.1 points a contest. It could make for a long afternoon for DeFilippo and his players.
Foles proved to be inconsistent in the three games he played coming back from a broken clavicle he suffered in Week 1 against Kansas City. He and DeFilippo had success in Philadelphia two years ago prior to their time in Jacksonville this season. It has not gone the way they two anticipated or how the front office and coaching staff thought things would turn out at the start of training camp.
"“Unfortunately, we had to make a change, first off,” DeFilippo said. “But fortunately, if you had to make the change, at least you had eight games with the guy who was coming in. You know what he’s good at and you know how he handles himself in the huddle with the team, and on the sidelines – and those things.“You never want to make that change – ever, especially mid-game. But if you have to and you’re in that situation at least you know what you’re getting.”"
Next. Jaguars lose Myles Jack for the remainder of the season. dark
While there have been issues scoring and moving the football, the Jaguars have the 11th ranked passing game in the NFL at 246 yards per contest. The running game is 15th with 113.4 yards per game.