Jaguars: 3 horrible stats that defined loss to Colts in Week 10

Winning helps NFL teams mask some issues. By the same token, it’s easy to point fingers when things aren’t going well. This is true for the Jacksonville Jaguars in recent weeks, as their offense has failed to put points on the scoreboard while the defense has played at a high level.

While it’s easy to blame quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the Jags’ inability to score, there are other issues that are affecting the offense. Head coach Urban Meyer recognizes that the rookie passer needs to play better but he also points out that everyone around him has to improve.

Keep in mind that Lawrence is a rookie and expecting him to play like a vested veteran after just nine starts is not reasonable. Especially when you take into account that the Jags could use upgrades at most position groups.

The Jaguars’ brass must keep adding talent next offseason if they want their potential quarterback of the future to succeed. For the time being, these are three stats that explain Jacksonville’s failed comeback attempt to the Colts in Week 10.

1. The Jaguars’ offense was flagged at an alarming rate versus the Colts.

Penalties in the NFL are pretty much self-inflicted wounds. While some calls are questionable, things such as false starts and holding are avoidable. Against the Colts, the Jaguars were flagged eight times and the offense was responsible for seven of them, if you take into account safety Andre Cisco’s offensive holding during a kickoff return by Jamal Agnew.

Tight end Chris Manhertz led the team with an inexcusable three penalties, an offensive holding, a false start, and an illegal blindside block. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor was second with two flags, offensive holding both times.

While the Jaguars limited the Colts’ offense to 295 yards, they gave up 79 yards on penalties. The coaching staff needs to make penalties a point of emphasis in the week ahead of their matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.