3 exciting stats from the Jaguars win vs. the Jets in Week 16

You have probably heard that you should always expect the unexpected in the NFL. Nevertheless, it was hard to see the Jacksonville Jaguars bouncing back following a five-game losing streak earlier in the 2022 season. But against all odds, the Jags have managed to right the ship, going 5-2 since Week 9.

Their win over the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football proved they’re built to play anywhere regardless of the condition. Also, it showed they shouldn’t be underlooked if they do sneak into the postseason. With that in mind, here are three stats that defined their seventh victory of the season.

3. The Jaguars only punted twice vs. the Jets in Week 16

The Jaguars have a pretty efficient offense, having previously put on display the ability to put points on the scoreboard. However, the weather was less than optimal on Thursday Night Football, which made it difficult to take many deep shots.

But despite the weather conditions, the Jags were able to move the ball against a sturdy Jets defense. Besides a lost fumble on their first offensive possession, most of their drives ended in points and Jacksonville’s first punt of the game came in the third quarter, once they had built a favorable lead.

Even though the Jaguars finished with just 19 points, that was more than enough to come on top of a flailing New York team.

2. The Jaguars’ O-Line allowed 1 sack for the second straight week

Even though left tackle Cam Robinson is out for the year, the Jaguars’ offensive line didn’t miss a beat against the ferocious Jets pass rush. New York’s defensive front got a boost in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who was questionable for the game.

Williams immediately made his presence felt, making plays at the line of scrimmage. However, the Jags did a good job of containing him and the rest of the Jets’ front seven, giving up just one sack. Walker Little, who was filling in for Cam Robinson, and the rest of the Jacksonville offensive line deserve credit for keeping Trevor Lawrence’s jersey clean for most of the game and opening holes for running back Travis Etienne.

1. The Jaguars defense gave up just 3 points in Week 16

The Jaguars’ defense has excelled at creating turnovers this offseason but has also given points at a high rate. That’s why it was noteworthy that they only gave up three points against the Jets. Zach Wilson had the chance he’s a viable option at quarterback following his benching earlier this year but instead came crashing down on Thursday Night Football.

After an underwhelming first half, Wilson was pulled from the game in favor of Chris Streveler, who momentarily ignited a spark on offense. But Streverler’s heroics weren’t nearly enough to propel the Jets’ offense.

The Jets finished the game with three points and the Jaguars got pretty good performances from pretty much all their starters on defense. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell has previously been criticized but he deserves praise for putting his players in a position to succeed in a short week.