Nobody will blame you if you felt either disappointed or angry after watching the Jacksonville Jaguars
lose to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3
of the regular season. After all, they scored two touchdowns before the end of the first half and added another one early in the third quarter. For a moment, it looked like they had gotten it together and would win their first game of the year.
However, the Cards weren’t fazed and fought back, scoring 21 unanswered points. The case could be made that Arizona is a playoff team but there’s simply no excuse. The Jags had a solid lead and realistic shot to earn their first victory only to squander both. It could be argued that this is a young team and they’re trying to figure things out but it’s simply inexcusable.
The Jags finally got running back James Robinson involved, the special teams once again made a big impact, the defense stopped Arizona’s offense cold several times and even safety Andrew Wingard snagged an interception. It didn’t matter in the end though. Jacksonville was like a deer in front of headlights and had no response for a resilient Cardinals team in the fourth quarter.
On one hand, it’s a good thing that the Jaguars haven’t given up yet, playing hard and looking for ways to improve. However, it’s puzzling that they are still trying to figure things out at this point of the regular season. Maybe they get it together on Thursday Night Football, when they will take on the Cincinnati Bengals. For the time being, here are the studs and duds from their Week 3 matchup against the Cardinals.
These three Jaguars made an impact for the wrong reasons in Week 3.
1. Jacob Hollister, tight end
Early in the game, it looked like tight end Jacob Hollister was going to play a key role on offense, hauling in a six-yard reception in the Jaguars’ first possession. However, he later dropped a pass that turned into an interception. The Wyoming product finished with two receptions for 15 yards and the aforementioned drop.
At the time, Hollister looked like a low-key good addition. Right now, not so much. In retrospect, this looks like a bad move by the Jags’ front office.
2. Trevor Lawrence, quarterback
It’s not surprising that Trevor Lawrence is struggling. After all, he’s a rookie and is still getting adjusting to the NFL. That doesn’t exempt him from criticism though. The former Clemson Tiger committed four turnovers, two interceptions, and two fumbles. In his defense, one of the interceptions was the result of Hollister’s drop and one of the fumbles came nearly at end of the game, when it was already decided.
On the other hand, there’s no excuse for Lawrence’s flea-flicker attempt that led to an interception when the game was within reach. This may have been his worst game up to date.
3. Andrew Norwell, left guard
Lawrence wasn’t the only one that should get the blame for the failed flea-flicker. Left guard Andrew Norwell was also at fault. After the ball was snapped, he spun, and attempted what was dubbed the “whirly bird“, instead of blocking J.J. Watt, who successfully pressured Lawrence. Also, the veteran gave up two pressures, so it’s fair to say this may not have been one of his best recent performances.
These Jacksonville Jaguars shined in the Week 3 loss to the Cardinals.
1. Running back James Robinson
Second-year running back James Robison showed what he’s capable of doing when the coaching staff makes him an important part of the game plan. Against the Cardinals, the former Redbird toted the rock 15 times for 88 yards and one trip to the end zone. Moreover, he’s one of nine players in NFL history to record at least 50 from scrimmage in each of their first 17 career games, per the team’s official PR account on Twitter.
2. Andrew Wingard, safety
Third-year safety Andrew Wingard struggled in the season opener but has fared much better since then. Against the Cardinals, he played every single defensive snap and posted seven total tackles. He finished the game with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 72.2, the highest among Jaguars’ defenders.
Moreover, the Wyoming product snagged the team’s first interception (and takeaway) of the season. Sure, Wingard missed three tackles but his contributions outweighed his mistakes in Week 3. It may be a while before Andre Cisco starts a game at safety.
3. Jamal Agnew, wide receiver
Because scoring on a kickoff return in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, wide receiver Jamal Agnew registered his second touchdown return in as many weeks. In Week 3, the 2017 First-Team All-Pro designation returned a failed field-goal attempt 109 yards near the end of the second quarter.
Agnew might have been the team’s brass best acquisition in free agency. It’s a shame his performance was overshadowed by the team’s inability to hold a lead.