When the Jacksonville Jaguars shut out the Indianapolis Colts earlier this season, they had everyone’s curiosity. But it wasn’t until they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 38-10 in Week 3 that they got everyone’s attention.
The Jags’ victory over the Chargers represented the only time they’ve won consecutive games since Weeks 7 and 8 of the 2019 season. For that reason, it’s not surprising to see them and Trevor Lawrence become the talk of the town over the last two days.
With that in mind, here are three encouraging stats from Jacksonville’s decisive win over the Bolts.
3. The Jaguars neutralized the Chargers’ running game
You will often hear coaches about how important shutting down the run is, which a bit surprising when you consider that the NFL is a passing league. But slowing down an rushing attack force offenses to become one-dimensional, which in turn leads to more pressure and pass-rush opportunities.
Against Los Angeles, the Jaguars gave up 26 yards on 12 carries. Simply, the Chargers stopped running the ball because they couldn’t find any openings.
Defensive end Dawuane Smoot met with the local media Monday and noted the team’s focus on defense was the run. So far, the approach has worked. In three games this season, the Jags have allowed 165 rushing yards (55 per game). Last season, they gave up as many in a game three times.
Moreover, Jacksonville hasn’t surrendered a single rushing touchdown this year. Moving forward, opposing teams will have a hard time scheming against the Jaguars because they know it will be a tough task running the ball against them.
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.
1. The Jaguars pressured Justin Herbert 31 times in Week 3
The Jaguars’ defense currently ranks fourth in points scored and has forced a league-best eight takeways. As you can see, it’s not only the offense but the defense is doing it’s part. Against the Chargers, they logged 31 total pressures. This is outstanding when you take into account that Justin Herbert had 45 dropbacks, so he was under pressure for around 75 percent of his attempts.
Not many quarterbacks are going to thrive under that much pressure and while Herbert had nearly 300 passing yards, Los Angeles managed to muster just 10 points. Sure, the Jaguars’ defense only logged one sack in Week 3 and sacks are better than pressures since they stop a play and move an offense back while a quarterback can still make a completion even if pressured.
Nevertheless, the Jaguars’ front seven did a good job of containing Herbert and the Chargers’ offense. Left tackle Rayshawn Slater hurt his bicep had to exit the game — he will miss the remainder of the season — but even before he got hurt, Jacksonville was giving the Bolts’ offensive line fits.
The Jaguars defense could take them far this season. The media will probably come up with a catchy name in the next few weeks but even if they don’t, there’s no doubt Jacksoville can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the league if they play up to their potential.