Jaguars: 3 stats that explain bewildering loss to Cardinals in Week 3

If you like games full of twists and shocking developments, you probably enjoyed the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 3 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. On the other hand, Jags fans were likely pissed after watching the team implode in the second half.

The Jaguars’ defense kept the Cards’ offense in check in the first half. They forced them to punt several times and held them to seven points. It looked like they would go into halftime with a manageable 7-point deficit.

However, quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected with wide receiver DJ Chark for a 12-yard touchdown reception and Jamal Agnew returned a failed field goal attempt 109 yards for another touchdown. If that wasn’t enough, second-year running back James Robinson scored in the third quarter, giving the Jags a 19-10 lead. Alas, things quickly fell apart of the Jags, and they Arizona to come back.

The Jaguars should be angry they let this one slip off their hands. Hopefully, they will look at these three stats and work on them if they want to win their first game of the season when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars allowed three rushing touchdowns in Week 3.

You have probably heard the term “bend but don’t break”. In the NFL, it means that it doesn’t matter how many yards you allow as long as you make key stops. The Jaguars gave up just 3.0 yards per carry against the Cardinals. While this figure might look good at first, it didn’t account for much when you consider that Arizona scored three rushing touchdowns.

Quarterback Kyler Murray didn’t have a passing touchdown in Week 1 but scored on a rushing touchdown. Running back James Conner also chipped in with two trips to the end zone. The Cardinals’ commitment to the run never wavered and ended the game with 91 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Before Week 3, the Jags had just allowed two rushing touchdowns.