The Jacksonville Jaguars will play in London in Week 6. Although this may be a business trip for several players, head coach Urban Meyer says that many enjoy traveling to the other side of the pond. The Jags will face off against a Miami Dolphins team that has lost four consecutive games after beating the New England Patriots in the season opener.
There’s no doubt that the Jaguars’ 0-5 record looks (and is) worse than the Phins’ 1-4 but only one win separates but teams. Is Miami realistically better than the Jags? Not really, that’s why Meyer needs to prepare his squad as best as he can because a game that didn’t seem winnable before the start of the season currently looks favorable.
The Dolphins’ offense ranks 31st in the NFL and their defense is 30th in points allowed. Of course, the Jaguars can’t underestimate their opponents. After all, they are far from a powerhouse and haven’t won a single game in 2021. On the other hand, there are a few reasons why they could beat Miami in the NFL International Series.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence keeps getting better every week, and he could have a breakout game at any time. Also, the Jags’ coaching staff figured out that good things happen when you give James Robinson the ball. The same is true for wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who has registered 50+ yard catches in back-to-back games.
The Jaguars have enough firepower on offense to score points and their defense is coming off a game in which the front seven constantly applied pressure. They have a realistic chance to win this game, but they need to keep an eye on these five Dolphins players.
These two Dolphins could give the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense fits.
1. Christian Wilkins, defensive end.
The Dolphins’ defense has logged nine sacks in 2021 and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has registered two of them. The 2019 first-round pick had a relatively slow start in his rookie campaign, he’s developed into a key cog on the defensive front.
This season, Wilkins has appeared in all five games and logged 25 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Also, he’s earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 79.4, second among Dolphins defenders. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence says he’s excited about playing with Wilkins, whom he described as “annoying” on the field but a great teammate.
Wilkins and Lawrence were part of the Clemson Tigers team that won the 2019 CFP National Championship. The two will probably greet at some point Sunday but the Jaguars’ offensive line can’t allow Wilkins to get close to the rookie quarterback while the game is on.
2. Xavien Howard, cornerback.
Howard is without doubt the Dolphins’ best defensive player. In fact, he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the whole NFL. The 2016 second-round pick is coming off a game in which he allowed six receptions for 123 yards on nine targets. Then again, it’s hard to find a cornerback that has had a great performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense in 2021. Also, he’s been dealing with shoulder and groin injuries and has played hurt the past two weeks.
The Jaguars must monitor Howard’s health ahead of Sunday. The cornerback missed the Dolphins’ last two practices. He will likely suit up but might not be at full strength, which would bode well for Jacksonville’s wide receiver corps.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense must contain these three Dolphins.
3. Myles Gaskin, running back.
Myles Gaskin showed flashes in his rookie campaign, toting the rock 142 times for 584 yards with three touchdowns. He’s been even better in 2021, racking up 34 carries for 167 yards. The Jaguars did a good job of slowing down Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry early in their Week 5 matchup. However, they were gassed in the second half and struggle to stop him. The Jaguars need to contain Gaskin for all four quarters if they want to win.
4. DeVante Parker, wide receiver.
Rookie Jaylen Waddle leads the Dolphins with 27 catches but he’s averaging a measly 8.6 yards per reception. Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver DeVante Parker has hauled in just 17 passes but has averaged 14.2 yards. Jaguars cornerback Shaquill Griffin has traveled with the opposing team’s best receiver in recent weeks, so he might be tasked to cover Parker in Week 6.
5. Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed several weeks with a rib injury but he will tentatively play Sunday. Jacksonville’s coaching staff is preparing as if he will start. Against the Titans, the Jags’ defense posted 14 total pressures and three sacks. They need to recreate that kind of pass rush against the Dolphins in Week 6.