Jacksonville Jaguars Week 17 studs and duds following humiliating loss

Here are three duds from the Jaguars’ Week 17 loss to the Patriots.

1. Trevor Lawrence, quarterback.

Trevor Lawrence is still a rookie and it’s unfair to have him carry the team on his shoulders, especially when he lacks enough weapons. But that’s what he had to do against the Patriots and the results weren’t good. He threw three interceptions. One was a pass that went through running back Ryquell Armstead’s hands but the other two were his fault.

As interim head coach Darrell Bevell said after the game, he has to go through this kind of experience during his development and he will need to rebound against the Indianapolis Colts in the season finale.

2. Tavon Austin, wide receiver.

Tavon Austin played on 66 percent of the team’s offensive snaps and what does he have to show for it? Three catches for two yards. The eighth overall pick in 2013 averaged 0.66 per reception. You won’t get many first downs, let alone touchdowns with that kind of output.

The fact that Austin played more than Laviska Shenault Jr. is telling. Viska was activated from the COVID-19 list Friday, so not practicing might have played a role in his lack of snaps. Still, he caught two receptions for 13 yards. Nothing to brag about but better than Austin.

3. Myles Jack, linebacker. 

Myles Jack has played at a Pro Bowl level or close to it for most of his career but he’s been underwhelming in 2021. As John Shipley of Jaguar Report pointed out, the 2016 second-round pick hasn’t made many big plays this season. Against the Patriots, he gave up five receptions for 87 yards and posted a subpar Pro Football Focus overall grade of 40.7. Moreover, he missed two tackles. That’s not the kind of performance you expect from one of the Jaguars’ most important players on defense.