Jaguars schedule rumors: Jacksonville to take on Commanders in Week 1

2022 NFL season Jaguars schedule rumors:  Jacksonville is set to face off against the Washington Commanders in the season opener.

The NFL is set to officially release the 2022 season schedule later today at 8 p.m. ET. However, snippets are being leaked, and it appears the Jacksonville Jaguars will open their season on the road versus the Washington Commanders.

Earlier today via Twitter, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington mentioned that the Jaguars will be hosted at FedEx Field where new Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson will make his debut.

Historically speaking, Washington has won this matchup with an overall record of 6-1. The last time these two teams squared off was in 2018, when Jacksonville was defeated by three points, 16-13. Wondering when was the last time the Jaguars beat Washington? That was back in 2002, when Fred Taylor ran for 82 yards and reached the endzone once with Mark Brunell as the starting signal-caller.

Jaguars schedule rumors: The Carson Wentz effect.

Finlay stated that this Week 1 matchup will be a good opportunity for a win, which makes sense given that Jacksonville was the worst team in the NFL in 2021. However, this roster has improved dramatically at several key positions, and, more importantly, Urban Meyer is no longer on the team. Even Washington’s fans know better than to assume this will be a cakewalk.

One name to keep an eye on for this game will be Carson Wentz. The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback will be ready to make his debut. The Jaguars are more than familiar with him. In arguably the biggest upset of the regular season’s end, Wentz faltered.

The Colts lost to Jacksonville in what was one of Wentz’s worst games of the year. He completed just 17 passes and threw a touchdown, only to have it eclipsed by an interception. The Jaguars were all over Wentz, consistently in his face all game long, sacking him six times. When it was all said and done, the Colts were bounced from playoff contention and, in all likelihood, it sealed Wentz’s fate.

As for the Jaguars, their defensive performance was noteworthy. Outside linebacker Josh Allen ended that game with two sacks, arguably his best performance of the season outside of the one against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. With Mike Caldwell now at the helm of the Jaguars’ defense, Wentz can expect a similar scenario. Caldwell’s philosophy is based on keeping pressure on the quarterback, and with one of the more promising front sevens in football, history may repeat itself.