The Jacksonville Jaguars are not dwelling on their 31-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8 and are getting ready to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. Although the game will be at TIAA Bank Field, it has the potential to become a blowout if the Jags play the way they did last week.
For starters, the Jaguars will need to become avoiding the same mistakes they committed against the Hawks and need to cut down on penalties. Also, they need to increase their third and fourth-down efficiency. They can’t afford to fall behind so early in the game once again. Of course, it’s easier said than done, especially if running back James Robinson isn’t good to go. If the former Redbird doesn’t suit up, veteran Carlos Hyde will get the starting nod, which is highly likely as Robinson hasn’t practiced this week.
Offensive coordinator Derrell Bevell told the local media the team wants Robinson to play and they don’t close the door on him playing, as they haven’t made a decision yet.
"I don’t think it’s the final decision yet. You know, we’re still going to take it to the end of the week. But, you know, within this next man up mentality, and we’ll continue to go with those guys."
Bevell noted Hyde has been around for a long time and has performed at a high level. He feels good about having a player like him. Also, wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. could see time at running back. Against the Seahawks, he logged one carry for eight yards and could tot the rock a few times in case Robinson doesn’t play Sunday.
During the sitdown with the media, the offensive coordinator was asked if Viska could see time in the backfield. He said, “it could be”. The Jags may be better off letting Robinson rest if he’s not 100 percent and rely on a combination of Hyde and Dare Ogunbowale with some sprinkles of Shenault.
The Jaguars will need Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot to shine again.
The Jaguars did a good job of pressuring the Seattle Seahawks. It’s a tad frustrating that the loss overshadowed the performance of outside linebacker Josh Allen, who had his best game of the season. The 2019 first-round pick logged six total tackles, four tackles for a loss, and a season-high two sacks. He also earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 68.1.
Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen told the local media that even though Allen doesn’t always get the sack, he’s playing hard. He also praised outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot and noted that he’s arguably having the best season of his NFL career.
"He’s had probably his best season to date, consistency in the run game, setting edges consistency, rushing the passer so we’ve been really pleased with the way he’s played."
In Week 8, the 2017 third-round pick posted a PFF grade of 70.8 and registered one sack, three total tackles, and two tackles for a loss. The teams’ brass probably expected edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson to make an impact but it’s been Smoot the one who answered the call.
Later in the sitdown, Cullen acknowledged the need to eliminate pre-snap penalties. He says it all starts with communication and the buck stops with him. The truth is that both Allen and Smoot have played well all year long. Even if they can play even better, they’re far from the reason why the defense is underperforming and they will need him once again in Week 9.
The Jaguars’ confidence in rookie CB Tyson Campbell hasn’t wavered.
The Jaguars haven’t gotten much production from their 2021 draft class. Other than quarterback Trevor Lawrence, only cornerback Tyson Campbell has seen the field often. The former Georgia Bulldog was trusted into the starting lineup early in the season with mixed results.
Although Campbell has shown flashes, he’s been overwhelmed at times. Against the Seahawks, he allowed four receptions for 67 yards on six targets, including the 27-yard catch that set Seattle’s first touchdown. Nevertheless, the Jaguars still believe in him. Joe Cullen liked the rookie’s performance in Week 8. He highlighted two plays in specific.
"One was a deep over and cover one where he’s right there. That was a great throw that Geno made, he had to put it in that spot. And the other one was to double the double pass. He was with his guys just making a play. He made a great play. We were in a zone, we broke on the ball and had the ball in his hands so he’s going to continue to get better and just get to keep improving."
Cornerback is one of the most difficult positions to play on defense and Campbell is still making the transition to the NFL. Unless he struggles badly, he will continue to get plenty of playing time.
One player that hasn’t seen the field for the Jaguars this season is edge rusher Jordan Smith. Cullen that’s due to the depth at the position but the 2021 fourth-round pick is getting better every will and it will be a matter of time before he cracks the defensive line rotation.
For the moment, the Jaguars don’t need Smith due to the presence of K’Lavon Chaisson, Dawuane Smoot, and Josh Allen. However, he needs to be ready so he isn’t caught off guard when he’s called upon. You could argue that the front office should have drafted someone that had a higher chance to contribute but player readiness is always variable, and Smith could play at any time.