Jacksonville Jaguars Week 17 studs and duds following humiliating loss

Here are 3 studs from the Jaguars’ 50-10 loss to the Patriots.

It’s difficult to highlight positive performances when your team is on the wrong end of a 50-10. However, those that played well reserves recognition.

1. Chris Claybrooks, cornerback.

With return specialist Jaydon Mickens not suiting up in Week 17, Chris Claybrooks handled return duties. He also started at cornerback and appeared in 88 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He was targeted eight times and allowed four of those for 31 yards. His 73.9 Pro Football Focus grade was the highest among Jaguars defenders.

Claybrooks will see his playing time decrease in the season finale if Shaquill Griffin is cleared from the COVID-19 list. All things considered, the sophomore did a good job on a day the Jaguars’ defense was manhandled.

2. Walker Little, offensive lineman. 

Walker Little started for the second time in his young NFL career and the Jags should be pleased. He didn’t allow a single pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps. He also finished the game with a PFF grade of 77.2, the highest among Jaguars offensive players.

Based on how the Texas native performed in spite of getting much playing time, it’s fair to wonder why the coaching staff has refused to give him more snaps. Sure, Cam Robinson is the starter at left tackle but the Jags could have plugged Little in at right tackle, where Jawaan Taylor has struggled this season.

3. Laquon Treadwell, wide receiver. 

Laquon Treadwell led the team in receptions with six for 87 yards. On a good team, he would be the third or fourth option in the passing game but the Jags are far from good, and the former first-round pick has made the most of his opportunities since being signed to the active roster in early November.

Treadwell has hauled in a career-high 410 receiving yards this season and he needs six more catches to set a career-high in receptions. The bar isn’t set high but he’s still worth noting that he’s been one of the weapons the Jags have had in the past few weeks.