Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell snags INT, end first half on strong note

The Jacksonville Jaguars were14-3 before hafltime but they should be pleased Tyson Campbellflaw registered the first interceptions of his NFL career against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan targeted tight end Kyle Pitts but Campbell read the play and made the interception. Early in the season, the rookie corner struggled to play the ball but the Jaguars’ coaching staff’s confidence never wavered.

Before the interception, the Jags’ defense had a hard time stopping Falcons wide receiver/running back Cordarrell Patterson. He got the questionable tag for the game but ended up suiting up. In the first half, he had eight carries for 84 yards with two touchdowns. He also hauled in one reception for seven yards. The silver lining is that tight end Kyle Pitts has had a quiet game. The former Gator has been targeted twice but had no catches in the first two quarters.

Outside linebacker Josh Allen got hurt during the Falcons’ first possession of the game and left the game for a few plays. However, he was back in Atlanta’s following drive. On the other hand, tight end Dan Arnold also suffered an injury and was listed as questionable to return. Arnold has been one of the Jaguars’ few playmakers on offense, so losing him for an extended period of time would be bad news.

The Jaguars’ offense needs to step up against the Falcons.

On a day in which the defense is struggling, the offense isn’t faring much better. The unit already turned the ball twice, an interception by Trevor Lawrence and a fumble by James Robinson. This was Lawrence’s first interception in four games and Robinson’s first career fumble. Lawrence also had a fumble but tight end Chris Manhertz recovered it. All these mistakes could come back to haunt the Jags if they lose the game.

Near halftime, the Jaguars had the chance to score a touchdown but only managed three points. On first and goal with 10 yards to go, wide receiver Laviska Shenault caught a pass for -2 yards. Running back Dare Ogunbowale dropped a catchable pass and Carlos Hyde only got one yard in his catch. Kicker Matthew Wright then nailed a 22-yard field goal.

Trevor Lawrence is 12-of-20 for 104 yards with the aforementioned interception and Shenault leads the team with six catches for 33 yards. The Jaguars need to cut down on the drops and be more efficient in third downs if they want to get back in the game in the second half.