Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 matchups to watch vs Denver Broncos

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 at Caesars Superdome (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 at Caesars Superdome (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Jacksonville Jaguars RB James Robinson (25) and Houston Texans SS Eric Murray (23) (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
Jacksonville Jaguars RB James Robinson (25) and Houston Texans SS Eric Murray (23) (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Jacksonville Jaguars running game vs the Broncos’ defense.

Looking back, there were many things the Jaguars could have done better in Week 1. They missed tackles, they committed penalties and their game plan was far from stellar. Moreover, their decision not to give running back James Robinson was puzzling. Sure, Jacksonville fell behind early in the game and two of their early runs were called back due to penalties but that still doesn’t explain why the former Redbird only got five carries in the whole game.

As long as the Jaguars don’t fall behind early, they should have a more balanced game plan in Week 2. They showed they can run the ball against the Texans, averaging almost five years per carry.

Robinson doesn’t have to get 30 rushes but he should definitely be a bigger part of the game plan. Also, they don’t have to solely rely on the sophomore. Hyde showed in Week 1 he can be dependable, toting the rock nine times for 44 yards. On the other hand, the Broncos allowed just 60 rushing yards in the season opener, so it will be tough to run against them. Defensive tackles Dre’Mont Jones and Shelby Harris posted Pro Football Focus run grades of 78.8 and 76.9, respectively. They also had a combined seven total tackles.

It won’t be easy but the Jaguars need to stick to the run, even if they don’t have success at first. If they keep pushing, Robinson could break off a couple of big runs.