A few weeks ago, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars were trending up. After all, they had ended a five-game losing streak and had stunned both the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills. Nevertheless, the Jags have lost their last three games and whatever promise they showed has quickly evaporated.
The Jaguars’ defense has struggled to tackle and has allowed running backs Jonathan Taylor, Deebo Samuel, and Cordarelle Patterson to run amok in consecutive games. Furthermore, they’ve given up an average of 24 points per game in the last three weeks.
The Jaguars’ offense hasn’t fared much better and has struggled to score points. They played a bit better against the Falcons, totaling 357 yards of offense, their highest mark since Week 6, and posting a 56.25 completion rate on third downs. However, they fell behind early in the game once again and ultimately lost 21-14.
Something that makes the loss even more frustrating is the Falcons had scored a combined three points in the last two weeks. On paper, this looked like a favorable matchup for the Jaguars, who had one of the best defenses against the run. In the end, Patterson gashes Jacksonville’s defense for 108 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
There are six weeks left in the season, and the Jaguars could suddenly get hot. However, it doesn’t look like that will be the case, as they will face off against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 and the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. Anyways, here are three studs and three duds from the Jaguars’ disappointing Week 12 loss.
Here are the studs from the Jaguars’ Week 12 loss to the Falcons.
1. Tyson Campbell, cornerback.
While the preseason is an important tool to evaluate talent, it’s not an accurate indicator of future success. This past offseason, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase struggled with drops but has gone on to become a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Similarly, cornerback Tyson Campbell played poorly but has improved and become a solid starter for the Jaguars.
The 33rd overall pick in the 2021 draft had his best game as a pro, logging two passes defender and his first career interception in Week 12. Moreover, he earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 94.1, the highest among Jaguars’ defenders. Campbell has repaid the trust the team’s brass placed on him after a somewhat slow start to the season.
2. Trevor Lawrence, quarterback.
Trevor Lawrence threw an interception but also put an end to his touchdown drought and completed one to Tavon Austin. He led a few solid drives and showcased his legs, tallying 39 yards on five runs. Even though the former Clemson Tiger supporting cast is far from optimal, he keeps showing growth.
Although the Jags need to make upgrades at most position groups, they won’t have to address the quarterback position next year. Moreover, Lawrence hasn’t reached his ceiling yet and has plenty of time to keep improving in 2021.
3. Brandon Linder, center.
In his first taste of action since getting hurt in Week 4, center Brandon Linder played well. The veteran appeared in every single snap and didn’t allow a single pressure in his return to the lineup. Moreover, he posted a PFF passing grade of 84.1.
Here are the duds from the Jaguars’ Week 12 loss to the Falcons.
1. Jaydon Mickens, return specialist.
Losing return Jamal Agnew to a season-ending hip injury in Week 11 was big but the Jaguars tried to lessen the hit and signed Jaydon Mickens to take his place on special teams. The Washington product was serviceable against the Falcons but lost a fumble in Jacksonville’s last possession.
Cornerback Chris Claybrooks ended up recovering the fumble. Even though the Jaguars couldn’t score in their last drive, that’s the kind of mistake the Jaguars can’t afford to make. Mickens will once again handle return duties against the Los Angeles Rams. He needs to do a better job of holding onto the ball.
2. Jawaan Taylor, right tackle.
In the fourth quarter, right tackle Jawaan Taylor was flagged twice in the same drive and cost the Jaguars 15 yards and the chance to come away with seven points instead of three. This is the third game in a row in which Taylor commits two penalties in the same game. If the 2019 second-round pick keeps struggling, the Jaguars should consider having Walker Little take his place in the lineup.
3. Dare Ogunbowale, Carlos Hyde, running backs.
Both Dare Ogunbowale and Carlos Hyde are fine players but neither one should get playing time over James Robinson, which was the case against the Falcons. Ogunbowale couldn’t come down with a catch in the Jaguars in the second quarter and Hyde dropped a pass in the fourth quarter. In both instances, Robinson would have likely made the play.
Robinson has been dealing with a heel injury since Week 8 and isn’t 100 percent yet. Still, he needs to be on the field in key plays, and that wasn’t the case against the Falcons.