The Jacksonville Jaguars started a total rebuild this offseason. When head coach Urban Meyer took the job, he knew he had a daunting task ahead of him. He struggled with the transition from the college ranks to the pros early in the 2021 season, and has made several questionable decisions off and on the field, in his short tenure. However, he’s made strides and got his team ready for the Miami Dolphin, which lead to a 23-20 win in Week 6.
This was a complete win by the Jaguars. Their offense put points on the scoreboard. The defense made key plays when it had to and kicker Matthew Wright was clutch late in the game.
Wins won’t come often nor easy for the Jags this season, that’s why it was great to see them put an end to a 20-game losing streak that dates back to last season. Heading into their BYE, they won’t have to think of the streak any longer (not that they did according to quarterback Trevor Lawrence) and can enjoy their week off knowing how winning feels like.
The Jags had to earn this win, and early in the game, it looked like this was going to be yet another loss, allowing ten points in the Dolphins’ first two drives of the game. However, they got hot and scored just before and right after halftime, which gave them a 17-10 lead. Because this is the Jaguars’ first win in more than a calendar year, this list won’t include the studs and duds from the game. Instead, it will only focus on the six players that made the win possible.
Here are three studs that helped the Jaguars earn their first win of the season.
1. Trevor Lawrence, quarterback.
It’s easy to forget that Trevor Lawrence just made his sixth start in the NFL. But the truth is he’s quickly adjusting to the NFL and is already showcasing the talent that made him the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. The Jaguars’ coaching staff is already putting a lot on his plate and is trusting him to make all kinds of throws other rookie passers wouldn’t even consider attempting.
The former Clemson Tiger didn’t throw an interception for the second time this season, which was huge in such a close game. He did a fumble when defensive tackle Christian Wilkins sacked him but play well for the most part, completing 25 of 41 passes for 319 yards and one touchdown.
2. James Robinson, running back.
Second-year running back James Robinson didn’t go over 100 yards rushing but he still played a key role in the Jaguars’ win, racking up 17 carries for 73 yards and one touchdown. In particular, he showed his playmaking prowess in the third quarter, when he broke off a 24-yard run in the third quarter and then proceeded to find the end zone on a one-yard rush the following play.
It was good to see the Jags having a balanced game plan, and Robinson made it possible.
3. Jamal Agnew, wide receiver.
The Jaguars made several impact signing in this year’s free agency. There’s not just one that stands out and it’s difficult to pick just one. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin is playing at a high level and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. has become some Lawrence trusts. However, they affect just one side of the ball while Jamal Agnew can play special teams and offense.
Agnew started moonlighting at wide receiver back in 2020. He proved Sunday the transition is going well. The return specialist hauled in five receptions for 78 yards and had two 20+ catches in the game. With DJ Chark Jr. out for the foreseeable future, expect the 2017 First-Team All-Pro to keep getting the ball.
Three more Jaguars that played a key role against the Dolphins.
4. Marvin Jones, wide receiver.
Jamal Agnew wasn’t the only wide receiver that made plays for the Jaguars in Week 6. In fact, you could make the case Marvin Jones Jr. had a bigger impact, hauling in seven receptions for 100 yards and a 28-yard touchdown reception.
The 2012 fifth-round pick has quickly become Trevor Lawrence’s favorite target, catching a team-high 28 receptions for 343 yards and three touchdowns. The two-year, $14.5 million looks like a bargain in retrospect.
5. Josh Allen, outside linebacker, defensive end.
There’s more to a pass rush than just sacks and Josh Allen showed it against the Miami Dolphins. The 2019 first-round pick posted a monster 92.9 Pro Football Focus grade in the strength of seven total tackles, and six pressures. Although he didn’t log a sack, his impact was felt in the game.
His more important play of the game might have been the defense’s last one. He and Chappelle Russell tackled Dolphins running back Malcom Brown for no gain on fourth-and-one and got the ball back for the offense, which allowed the Jaguars to make the game-winning football.
6. Matthew Wright, kicker.
This wasn’t going to be an easy game and it was going to come down to a few key plays, including the aforementioned stop and the 12-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence that helped set Matthew’s Wright 53-yard field goal attempt not long after.
The team couldn’t elevate Wright from the practice squad any longer, so they signed him to the active roster before the game. Their trust paid off and he made two 50+ field goals, including the game-winner, in a span of fewer than four minutes.