3 outstanding stats from Jaguars decisive win over Chargers
2. The Jaguars O-Line gave up just 7 pressures vs. the Chargers
Trevor Lawrence’s improved play deserves plenty of credit for the Jaguars’ turnaround this season, and does running back James Robinson, who shows no lingering signs of the torn Achilles he suffered toward the end of 2021. However, the duo has been able to perform at a high level thanks to the outstanding work the Jaguars’ hog mollies have done up front.
Back in the season opener, Lawrence was under pressure for nearly half of his pass attempts. He still managed to find success but imagine how much better he could have been if he had had better pass protection.
Per @ESPNStatsInfo: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was pressured a career-high 21 times Sunday, but he also had his best game under pressure. He threw for 103 yards when pressured (162 yards in first 5 games) and threw his first pass TD when pressured (3 INT in first 5 games).
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) October 18, 2021
Fortunately, the Jags recognized they needed to give Lawrence more time to throw ball and have done a better job up front the last two weeks. Against the Colts, they only surrendered three total pressures and last week, they gave up seven, which is still a pretty good number. Sure, Joey Bosa had to exit the game but they still had to contain Khalil Mack and did a good job.
Similarly, Lawrence has been sacked just twice this season and is on pace to be taken down 12 times. But it’s not only in pass protection, the Jaguars’ offensive line has also done a good job of opening running lanes for Robinson and sophomore Travis Etienne.
More often than not, they can break off long runs because of the guys up front. Against the Chargers, the Jags tallied 151 rushing yards and the O-Line was a big reason why.
Heading into the 2022 season, offensive line was seen as the Jaguars’ weakest link and it seemed like a legitimate cause for concern. However, things have taken a positive turn since then and the group has been a strength the last two games.