The Jacksonville Jaguars proved in Week 9 that they can keep up with the best when they beat the Buffalo Bills. On the other hand, they’ve also shown they’ve still got a long way to go before they turn the corner, losing their last two games.
The Jags will have the chance to get back to the win column when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. While the Jags have struggled to put points on the scoreboard in recent weeks, their defense has performed well. Meanwhile, the Falcons aren’t doing great themselves and are coming off two straight losses.
Also, Atlanta has managed to score just 30 points over the last three weeks and has allowed 93 in the same span. On paper, this looks like a favorable matchup for the Jags, and here are three keys to victory in Week 12.
1. The Jaguars can’t let Kyle Pitts take over the game in Week 12.
The Falcons rank 27th in points scored this season and one big reason is their lack of playmakers. Wide receiver Cordarelle Patterson is listed as questionable ahead of the game. If he doesn’t suit up, tight end Kyle Pitts will be Matt Ryan’s only reliable target.
Pitts has quickly established himself as Atlanta’s top target, hauling in 43 receptions for 653 yards and one touchdown. Furthermore, he’s averaging an outstanding 14.8 yards per catch, which is pretty rare for a tight end.
The Florida product should have no trouble torching the Jags’ secondary if given the chance. Thus, he must be accounted for in every single play.
2. The Jaguars must commit to running the ball the whole game.
The Jaguars’ rushing attack has been inconsistent in 2021. Then again, it’s difficult to establish the run when you’re trailing by 17 points, something that has happened to the Jags more than a few times this season. It also hurts that running back James Robinson hasn’t been 100 percent healthy since suffering a heel injury in Week 8.
Running back James Robinson got hurt in Week 8 and sat out the following game. Although he’s suited up the last two weeks, he hasn’t been himself, which has affected the Jaguars’ rushing attack. The former Illinois State Redbird is listed as questionable for Sunday and could once again get a limited workload but his availability or lack thereof shouldn’t deter the Jags from running the ball early.
Over the last two weeks, the Jaguars gave carries to wide receiver Laviska Shenault and Jamal Agnew. The latter was placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a hip injury against the San Francisco 49ers but Viska should still get more than a handful of carries against the Falcons.
The Jaguars are at their best when they run the ball. They need to wear down Atlanta’s defense, which ranks 25th in rushing yards and 18th in the league in touchdowns allowed. Jacksonville can’t solely depend on their defense to win them games. Their offense also needs to do its part
3. The Jaguars’ defense needs to pressure quarterback Matt Ryan.
Head coach Urban Meyer told the local media Shaquill Griffin will sit out Sunday. The 2017 third-round pick has done a good job of traveling with other teams’ number one wide receiver. He will be missed even though quarterback Matt Ryan doesn’t have other offensive weapons besides Kyle Pitts.
On the other hand, the Jaguars don’t have any major injuries up front and should be able to consistently pressure Ryan. The Falcons are giving up an average of two sacks per game and Jacksonville should be able to get as many if not more in Week 12.
Edge rusher Josh Allen has been Jacksonville’s defensive MVP this season but Dawuane Smoot has also gotten to the quarterback often. Taven Bryan, Malcom Brown, DaVon Hamilton, and Roy Robertson-Harris have also done a good job in the interior. Moreover, linebacker Myles Jack and Dakota Allen will be a full-go after being limited in practice early this week.
On the other hand, offensive coordinator Joe Cullen’s office must play disciplined and avoid racking up penalties. Against the San Francisco 49ers, the Jags’ defense was flagged four times. If they can correct that in Week 12, their chances of winning will go up.