Jacksonville Jaguars: Studs and duds from disastrous loss vs Bengals

For the second consecutive week, the Jacksonville Jaguars were close to winning a football game in 2021. And once again, they couldn’t close the deal. The Jags had a chance to beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football but their offense couldn’t score in their last possession and the defense wasn’t able to stop Cincy’s offense from marching down the field and making the winning field goal.

Head coach Urban Meyer was visibly frustrated after the game. In a sitdown with the local media, he hit the podium after being told the Jaguars dropped the game in spite of not committing a turnover.

As frustrating as the Jags’ most recent loss was, there are reasons for encouragement. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is developing quickly. Although he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, he ran for one and didn’t turn the ball over. The former Clemson Tiger is also showing great pocket awareness and is using his legs often.

Moreover, the Jaguars finally remember they have a stud running back in James Robinson and have increased his workload in the last two games. Make no mistake, this team is getting better, even if the win-loss column doesn’t reflect it. Sure, there are still several things they need to work on. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have lost against the Bengals. Nevertheless, this is a young team that is aware the climb is steep and has their work cut out.

With that in mind, here are three studs and three duds from the Jaguars’ 24-21 loss to the Bengals.

These 3 players gave the Jacksonville Jaguars a fighting chance in Week 4.

1. Laviska Shenault, wide receiver.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is facing a learning curve. Thus, it’s it isn’t surprising that the Jaguars’ passing game has been somewhat inconsistent this season. Against the Bengals, the rookie passer showed growth and often targeted second-year wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who finished the game with a season-high six receptions for 99 yards.

Viska broke tackles and often gained yards after contact on Thursday Night Football. He also showed the ability to catch passes downfield, hauling in a 52-yard reception. Moving forward, the Jaguars need to get Shenault more involved in the offense.

2. James Robinson, running back. 

After getting just 16 carries in the first two games of the 2021 season, running back James Robinson has seen his workload increase considerably in the last two weeks. Against the Cardinals, he ran the ball 15 times and toted the rock a season-high 18 times in Week 4. The former Illinois State Redbird finished the game with 78 rushing yards and two trips to the end zone.

Moreover, Robinson averaged 4.3 yards per carry even though Cincy’s defense was allowing just 3.3 yards ahead of the game. Hopefully, the Jags won’t stop giving the second-year running back the ball.

3. Dan Arnold, tight end.

Head coach Urban Meyer said that newly acquired tight end Dan Arnold would play Thursday even though he joined the team Monday. In the end, he played just 18 offensive snaps but he made them all count, hauling in two receptions for 29 yards. He’s arguably the team’s best pass-catching tight end, so his usage will likely go up in the following weeks with veteran James O’Shaugnessy out with an ankle injury.

The Jags will have a long week after playing on Thursday. This will give Arnold the opportunity to keep getting acclimated in Jacksonville.

These 3 Jacksonville Jaguars struggled against the Cincinnati Bengals.

1. Tyson Campbell, cornerback.

Head coach Urban Meyer cited rookie Tyson Campbell’s progression as a reason for trading cornerback C.J. Henderson to the Carolina Panthers. The early returns weren’t encouraging. The former Georgia Bulldog struggled in his second start of the 2021 season, allowing seven passes for 158 passing yards on eight receptions. He also missed a tackle and finished the game with a Pro Football Focus grade of 37.3.

Campbell showed flashes against the Cardinals but regressed in Week 4. It will be interesting to see whether he can bounce back against the Titans.

2. Myles Jack, linebacker.

Linebacker Myles Jack has been one of the few bright spots on the Jaguars’ defense over the last two years. However, he had a game to forget in Week 4, allowing 41 yards in coverage and a 100 completion rate. He also gave up one of Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah’s two touchdown receptions.

Jack wasn’t in a good position to make the play and couldn’t keep up with Uzomah. Then again, the touchdown might not have been entirely his fault, and may it was the result of miscommunication in the secondary. Here’s a look at the play.

3. DJ Chark, wide receiver.

Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. is in a contract year and was playing for an extension. However, he fractured his ankle on Thursday and it’s uncertain when he will return. Even if he comes back this year, he will at least a few games, which will decrease his leverage during negotiations for a new deal.

Chark is the Jaguars’ best receiver and their passing game will take a hit without him. The 2019 Pro Bowl nod deserves to get paid and he might still sign a new contract. But he should feel frustrated after working hard during the offseason.