5 studs who played a role in the Jaguars win vs. the Jets in Week 16

The Jacksonville Jaguars have done it. Following a five-game losing streak, they’ve bounced back and are in the midst of a hot streak to finish the 2022 season strong. Outside of an embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions, they’re playing like a team that deserves to qualify for the postseason.

In Week 16, the Jags went to East Rutherford, New Jersey, and beat the New York Jets 19-3 on Thursday Night Football. Although the weather was less than optimal and it rained for a good chunk of the game, both the offense and the defense did their part. With that in mind, here are five Jaguars that made the win possible.

Jaguars vs. Jets game balls: Evan Engram adds another to his collection

Evan Engram, tight end

You might not have agreed with the organization’s decision to retain general manager Trent Baalke following the dismissal of Urban Meyer but the truth is that he’s one big reason the Jags have been able to improve so much since the end of the 2021 season.

One of Baalke’s biggest acquisitions in free agency was tight end Evan Engram, who signed a one-year deal to join the Jags. Looking back, this was money well spent as the former Ole Miss Rebel broke Kyle Brady’s team record for most receptions by a tight end in a season against the Jets.

Engram’s 723 yards this season are the second most by a tight end in franchise history and he should have no trouble setting a new record against the Houston Texans in Week 17.

Travis Etienne, running back

After a midseason skid, running back Travis Etienne is back to his productive ways, toting the rock 22 times for 83 yards against the Jets. The former Clemson Tiger now has 1,000 rushing yards for the year.

On a day in which the weather played a role, Etienne didn’t disappoint and helped the Jacksonville offense consistently move the chains.

Darious Williams, cornerback

Moving cornerback Darious Williams from the slot to boundaries a few weeks ago was a smart decision by defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. The former UAB Blazer was targeted five times on Thursday and didn’t allow a single completion.

Williams came close to snagging a couple of interceptions but didn’t. Nevertheless, he was one of the reasons New York was only able to muster a measly 10 first downs and 161 yards on offense.

Trevor Lawrence, quarterback

Trevor Lawrence has been playing at an absurdly high level, throwing nine touchdowns and just one interception from Weeks 9 to 15. Although he didn’t score a passing touchdown against the Jets, he avoided making the kind of costly mistakes he made early in the season.

More often than not, Lawrence made smart decisions with the football, completing 64.52 percent of his passes for 229 yards. He also reached the end zone on a rushing touchdown, so even on a day in which it was difficult to throw the ball, the sophomore quarterback led the Jags to yet another win.

Foyesade Oluokun, linebacker

The Jaguars stymied the Jets’ running attack and both defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton and defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris set the tone at the line of scrimmage. Also, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun should be praised for stopping constantly being around the football and not letting New York gain yards.

Oluokun’s 92.3 Pro Football Focus overall grade was the highest among Jaguars in Week 16. His 162 total tackles also lead the team ahead of Week 17. Looking at this year’s Pro Bowl roster, his omission is puzzling.