Another week, another loss by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nobody would blame you if you’re frustrated with the Jaguars’ lack of wins. After all, head coach Urban Meyer spent the offseason talking about how the team was going to be faster.
On the other hand, that’s how rebuilds look, a lot of flashes but even more mistakes and disappointing moments. Keep in mind that this Jaguars team has shown steady progress. Also, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is showing Jacksonville got it right when they made him the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The pro game isn’t too big for the former Clemson Tiger and he’s getting better by the week.
Even though tight end Dan Arnold fumbled a pass in the first drive of the game, the Jaguars kept things interesting for most of the first half. The Jags had an aggressive game plan in place and the Jaguars went for it on fourth down twice in the game. In the end, the Titans proved to be too much for them and the game got out of hand, losing 37-19.
Nevertheless, the Jaguars need to move on and start preparing for their Week 7 matchup in London. For his part, head coach Urban Meyer needs to do a better job of knowing what’s happening at all times. After all, his lack of oversight has played a role in the team’s inability to win games in 2021.
Without further ado, here are the on-field studs and duds from the Jaguars’ loss to the Titans in Week 5.
Here are three players that gave the Jaguars a chance to win in Week 5.
1. Jacob Hollister, tight end.
You might recall that tight end Jacob Hollister was a dud in Week 3, dropping a pass that became an interception. However, that was then and this is now. He scored the Jaguars’ second touchdown in Week 5, a one-yard reception on fourth down in the second quarter.
Hollister didn’t haul in another reception in the game but the fact that he stepped up when the team needed him is worth noting.
2. K’Lavon Chaisson, outside linebacker.
K’Lavon Chaisson had been one of the Jaguars’ most disappointing players in 2021. After being a non-factor in the first four games of the season, he had his best performance in Week 5, logging six total tackles, two tackles for a loss, and three pressures. Moreover, he registered his first sack of the year.
Chaisson, along with Dawuane Smoot and Josh Allen constantly pressured Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Jaguars finished the game with three sacks and 14 pressures. They need more games like this from their front seven.
3. James Robinson, running back.
Running back James Robinson was unstoppable in Week 5, averaging more than eight yards per carry. Had the Jaguars won, he would have been made several national media headlines. However, it wasn’t meant to happen. Still, he’s shown his value over the last three weeks. Even though the former Redbird hasn’t had more than 18 carries in a single game this season, he’s already racked up 386 yards and four touchdowns.
Robinson is averaging 5.8 yards per carry in 2021 and his 86.0 Pro Football Focus overall grade was the highest among Jaguars players in Week 5.
These three players played a role in the Jaguars’ loss to the Titans.
1. Chris Claybrooks, cornerback.
Rookie cornerback Tyson Campbell was inactive for the Jaguars’ game versus the Titans. In his place, sophomore Chris Claybrooks got the starting nod opposite Shaquill Griffin. Even if you ignore the questionable pass interference that was called on him, his performance was far from optimal. He allowed three receptions for 52 yards on three targets.
In the offseason, it looked like cornerback was going to be a strength for the Jaguars. Week 5 showed that’s not the case and it will be one area the team’s brass will need to address next offseason.
2. Adam Gotsis, defensive end.
After a couple of solid outings, defensive Adam Gotsis was a non-factor against the Titans. His 30.3 Pro Football Focus overall grade was one of the worst among Jaguars players. Moreover, he was just credited with one assist. No tackles, no pressures, just an assist.
There’s no doubt stopping Titans running back Derrick Henry is a daunting task for pretty much any defensive player in the NFL. But on a day when several Jaguars pressured quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Gotsis didn’t do much.
3. Matthew Wright, kicker.
Matthew Wright was elevated to the active roster before the game and had a chance to show what he can do, which turned out to be not much. He failed a 53-yard field goal attempt and an extra point.
Head coach Urban Meyer just told the local media the team will hold a kicker competition, and rightfully so. They aren’t getting much out of the position and haven’t scored a single field goal in 2021.