The Jacksonville Jaguars
before their Week 15 match against the Houston Texans. In is interim Derrell Bevell, and out is Urban Meyer. But despite the switch,
the Jags went on to lose 20-10
. Then again, they could no longer keep Meyer after fostering a toxic environment in Jacksonville, and moving on from him was one of the many things they need to do if they want to turn things around.
The Jaguars won’t be able to suddenly undo everything Meyer did when he was in control but still need to show up for the last three games of the 2021 season. Bevell met with the local media Monday and said that his focus was on ensuring the team had the right mindset and the correct approach to the game.
"The thing that I want to work on the most is just our mindset and our mentality, how I want them to approach the game… their thoughts that I want them to have, how I want them to work together, how offense and defense and special teams can complement each other."
The Jaguars are currently 2-12 and it doesn’t look like they will run the table. However, the three games remaining are far from meaningless. The team’s brass will have the chance to finish the season strong and see who can be part of their long-term future. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t shown much growth in recent weeks but he’s here to stay.
The coaching staff could use the three-week stretch to shake things up and try different things on offense. Also, the team could give safety Andre Cisco and offensive tackle Walker Little a chance to see if they could develop into solid contributors. With that in mind, here’s how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ remaining slate of games looks.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets in Week 16.
These teams were joined at the hip last season. They both had a realistic shot to land the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and for a while, it looked like the New York Jets would wound up with it, as they started the season 0-13. However, they went on to beat the Los Angeles Rams and the Cleveland Browns in consecutive weeks, which gifted the Jaguars with the top selection.
If the Jags had won another game in 2020 or the Jets had lost to either the Rams or the Browns, Trevor Lawrence would be playing in New York and Zach Wilson would be suiting up for the Black and Teal. Now, both quarterbacks will face off against each other in Week 16. In a few years, maybe this game will be billed as the new Manning vs. Brady but right now, it doesn’t look particularly enticing.
Based on how things are playing out, both the Jags and New York will pick in the top 5 once again next year. Jacksonville is set to have the top overall pick while the Jets will tentatively have the fourth overall.
The Jaguars are coming off six straight losses while the Jets went cold in the second half of their Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Both teams still have a long way to go before they turn things around but one has to win Sunday. Since the game will be played at MetLife Stadium, this writer is choosing the Jets to get the “W”.
Final Score: Jaguars 17 – Jets 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots in Week 17.
For the second straight week, the Jaguars will face off against a rookie quarterback and again, the game will be billed as Trevor Lawrence versus Mac Jones. This is kind of funny because they won’t take the field at the same time and the only interaction they will probably have will be at the end of the match when opposing teams shake hands.
The difference between the Jets (or the Jags) and the New England Patriots is that the latter has actually built the offense around their rookie passer and has made sure he has enough weapons at his disposal. While the Pats’ roster doesn’t feature many household names, you can’t argue with the results. New England is currently at the top of the AFC East and should have no problem disposing of the Jags. They rank 10th in points scored and have the top defense in the league. If that wasn’t enough, the game will be at Foxborough.
Jones is in the thick for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. He’s completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,168 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. If rookie Davis Mills was able to move the ball against the Jaguars’ defense at TIAA Bank Field, imagine what Jones could do at home in Week 17. Last but not least, head coach Bill Belichick has an outstanding 24-6 record when playing against first-year quarterbacks. He surely has something cooking for Trevor Lawrence.
Final Score: Jaguars 10 – Patriots 24
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts in Week 18.
Earlier this season, it seemed like the Jaguars and the Colts would be bad, as they both lost their first three games. However, things have changed significantly, as Indy has gone on to win eight games and is a good bet to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card. Meanwhile, the Jags have managed to win two games in the same span.
Under Frank Reich, the Colts have won at least ten games in two of the last three seasons and they’re two away from reaching the threshold once again in 2021. Although Carson Wentz isn’t an upper-echelon quarterback he’s avoided making mistakes and has put the offense in a position to score. Also, running back Jonathan Taylor is playing at a high level and is a darkhorse candidate for MVP honors in 2021. He could be the first non-quarterback player that wins the award since fellow running back Adrian Peterson did in 2012.
The Colts already beat the Jaguars early this year but they allowed them to come back from behind and nearly pull off the offseason. They can’t afford to take them lightly in the season finale, so who will win the matchup? This writer is taking the Jags because by then, Darrell Bevell will have had enough time to make enough tweaks to the offense, which will lead to more points and a win in Week 18.
The Colts are the better team right now but the Jags’ defense will step up like they did against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9 and Trevor Lawrence will make a couple of key throws to move the chains.
Jaguars 20 – Colts 17