Nobody will blame you if you have mixed feelings about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ heartbreaking loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. On one hand, they showed they can come back from a deficit and compete until the last minute. On the other hand, they still lost. Although the defense once again stepped up, penalties and drops spoiled what could have been a statement win.
Either way, the Jags can’t think too much about last week’s game and need to focus on the task at hand, beating the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. The Jags are a 6-point underdog and have struggled to score in recent weeks. On the other hand, the game will be in Jacksonville, so home-field advantage could play a role.
Running back James Robinson could get a bigger workload after having a limited role against the Colts. Although he’s listed as questionable for the game, he should be a full-go. His presence would give the Jaguars’ offense a boost. Also, the defense, led by edge rusher Josh Allen, has been dominant in consecutive weeks. Expect them to play well once again Sunday.
If the Jaguars want to pull off the offset Sunday, they will need to keep an eye on these five 49ers.
No. 1 Niners player the Jaguars must contain – Trent Williams, LT
Trent Williams is the best left tackle in the NFL right now, and it’s not even close. His 97.8 Pro Football Grade is the highest among 49ers players and left tackles in the league. The Jaguars’ front seven will have their hands full against the eight-time Pro Bowl nod.
Williams signed a six-year, $138 million contract earlier this year. Although it looks like a steep price to protect the blind side of your quarterback, it’s unlikely that San Francisco is experiencing buyer’s remorse. This season, he’s allowed just seven total pressures. The Jags would surely like that kind of performance from the left tackle position.
No. 2 Niners player the Jaguars must contain – Jimmy Ward, S
Jimmy Ward has been low-key become one of the most consistent safeties in the NFL in recent years. Although you won’t see him get the kind of attention other 49ers players get, he’s a key cog on their secondary.
Against the Los Angeles Rams, Ward snagged two interceptions and two passes defensed. For the year, he has a 76.7 Pro Football Focus overall grade. The Jaguars haven’t gotten much production from their wide receiver corps this offseason and the first-round pick won’t make things any easier for them in Week 11.
No. 3 Niners player the Jaguars must contain – Nick Bosa, edge
After a dominant rookie campaign in 2019, Nick Bosa tore his ACL last season and missed 14 games. He’s healthy now and hasn’t sat out a game in 2021. He picked up where he left off and has already logged eight sacks, 37 total pressures, 13 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. Moreover, he’s posted a PFF overall grade of 87.6.
Jaguars right tackle Jawaan Taylor hasn’t been particularly great and has struggled with penalties this season. He will have his work cut out against Bosa. The coaching staff may help at times and send an extra blocker but this matchup will be one of the most important ones to watch when Jacksonville has the ball.
No. 4 Niners player the Jaguars must contain – Jeff Wilson Jr., RB
The 49ers like to run the ball… a lot. They’re coming off a game in which they toted the rock 44 times. However, they may be without their number one running back, Elijah Mitchell, in Week 11. The rookie out of Louisiana fractured his finger last week and his status for Sunday is unknown. If he can’t go, Jeff Wilson Jr. will probably start. He had ten carries for 28 yards against the Rams. Trey Sermon could also get a few carries.
On the bright side, the Jaguars have done a good job of stopping the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry. If they can limit the 49ers’ rushing attack, they may have a chance to win the game.
No. 5 Niners player the Jaguars must contain – Deebo Samuel
Jimmy Garoppolo is a middle-of-the-pack quarterback but has several weapons at his disposal. Thus, the Jags can’t devote too much attention to stopping the run. Tight end George Kittle is among the best in the league and Brandon Ayuik has become a reliable option in the passing game. However, their best wide receiver is Deebo Samuel.
The 2019 second-round pick is the swiss-knife kind of player that can take over games at any time. He played a big role in the 49ers’ win over the Rams, totaling five receptions for 97 yards and five carries for 36 yards with two touchdowns. For the season, Samuel has 54 receptions for 979 yards and five receiving touchdowns. It will be of utter importance to slow him down.