Jaguars vs. 49ers: 5 players that must shine in Week 11
![Quarterback Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fblackandteal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F17097516-850x560-5952aff058a67592e9d5409ccfee6e365272b992bf6f64e12cd30042484233b3.jpg "Quarterback Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]")
Although the Jacksonville Jaguars have won just two games this season, they are better than they were last year. The outcome is no longer decided by the start of the third quarter. And with the exception of the 31-7 debacle against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8, the Jags are in it until the fourth quarter. Moreover, they’re more fun to watch and have you tuned in until the last moment.
In Week 10, the Jaguars were trailing 17-0 against the Indianapolis Colts but managed to get back in the game thanks to their defense. Their comeback attempt fell short, losing 23-17 but they refused to throw in the towel. Jacksonville must keep showing that drive for the remainder of the year. They will still lose plenty of games but as long as they show fight nobody will question their effort.
The Jaguars will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and these five players will have to shine if they want to avoid starting a losing streak.
1. Jaguars player that must shine vs. the 49ers – Dawuane Smoot
Edge rusher Dawuane Smoot has been one of the Jaguars’ most consistent defensive players this offseason. In five games this season, he’s logged four pressures or more but against the Colts, he didn’t register one. He did have five total tackles but finished the game with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 41.2.
Of course, Smoot’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet, and his presence opens things up for his teammates. He had an off game against the Colts but should get back on track against the 49ers.