Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 stats that define infuriating loss to Bengals

Winning consistently in the NFL is difficult. First, you have to put a solid core together. Then, you have to constantly replace key contributors due to the salary cap, and hit on your draft picks more often than not. That’s why it hasn’t been surprising to see the Jacksonville Jaguars lose four consecutive games. Disappointing? Who wouldn’t be? Shocking? Not really. The Jags are in the early stages of a rebuild and they will experience growing pains before they become any good.

Earlier this year, head coach Urban Meyer said this would be a one-year project but based on the early results, it may take a bit longer. The Jaguars need to add more playmakers and their young core has to develop. That doesn’t mean they haven’t improved.

This is a young Jaguars’ team that is learning how to win. They aren’t used to having a lead, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they aren’t able to maintain it for four quarters. Keep in mind that progress isn’t spontaneous, so you will see the Jaguars play this kind of game before they earn their first win of the 2021 season.

Nobody likes to wait, but there’s not much the Jags can do other than keep grinding until they become good. For the time being, here are three stats that explain their 24-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t get to Bengals QB Joe Burrow.

The Jaguars were one of the best teams at generating pressure in the first three games of the season. However, they gave Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ample time to throw the ball. The first overall picking the 2020 draft went 25-of-32 for 348 yards and two touchdowns.

Jacksonville’s defense posted 12 pressures and sacked Burrow once but had trouble slowing him down.  Edge rusher Dawuane Smoot was the only Jaguars defender that logged more than one pressure on Thursday Night Football. You simply won’t win many football games if you can’t consistently get to the quarterback.