The Jacksonville Jaguars have beaten the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Chargers in consecutive weeks. Both games were held at TIAA Bank Field, so the Jags had home-field advantage. This time though, they’ll visit the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium for the Divisional Round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs.
The Jaguars already faced the Chiefs and lost 27-17 in the regular season. However, they’re playing much better since then. In fact, they will have a chance to show how much they’ve improved since their last encounter. With that in mind, here are three keys to beating Kansas City to advance to the Conference Championship.
3. The Jaguars cannot let the Chiefs get off to a hot start
The Jaguars have proven they can overcome huge deficits to come on top. Their victory over the Chargers marked the third time they came back and win a game in 2022 after trailing by 17 points or more. However, that’s not a strategy for sustained success.
Tight end Evan Engram met with the local media after Tuesday’s practice and said that as great as the win was, that’s not something he hopes they avoid doing in the future.
Evan is right. The Jags might have been able to mount a comeback against lesser opponents but it will be significantly harder against the Chiefs. Back in Week 9, Kansas got off to a quick start and scored three touchdowns in the first half and the Jags spent the rest of the game trailing.
The Jaguars don’t have to shut out the Chiefs. That’s not reasonable. On the other hand, they can’t allow them to build a huge lead and put additional pressure on the offense to score.
2. The Jaguars must avoid self-inflicted wounds vs. the Chiefs
Trevor Lawrence played a huge role in the Jags’ comeback win over Los Angeles but he was also a big reason they were trailing 27-0 at one point of the game. Sure, the defense couldn’t stop the Chargers from reaching the end zone but the score would have been more balanced if Lawrence hadn’t thrown four picks to begin with.
As admirable as Lawrence played in the second half last week, he can’t throw so many interceptions against the Chiefs and expect to win. Doug Pederson told the media that he’s made it a huge point of emphasis to the team not to turnover the ball.
“We were very fortunate the other night. That doesn’t happen”, Pederson said. “For five takeaways or five giveaways and come back and win a football game. That just does not happen and that’s something we address our team a lot about. I don’t want to overemphasize it but at the same time, they have to understand the seriousness of keeping the football and the seriousness of creating takeaways”.
It isn’t just takeaways. The Jaguars can’t commit unnecessary penalties. There will always be questionable calls, especially when it comes to roughing the passer and pass interference. However, things such as holding, false start, and delay of the game are avoidable, and Jacksonville can’t commit any of those against the Chiefs.
The Jags had a +3 turnover margin against Kansas City in Week 9 and still managed to lose the game. Having said that, the fewer mistakes they make Saturday, the higher their chances of winning will be. Conversely, shooting themselves in the foot will complicate matters.
1. The Jaguars O-Line must protect Trevor Lawrence and stop Chris Jones
The Jaguars’ offensive line has done a good job of protecting Trevor Lawrence this season. They allowed a manageable 27 times in 2022 and their six games without a sack led the league. Now, they will be tasked with stopping Chris Jones and the rest of the Chiefs’ defensive front.
Pederson met with the local media Tuesday and talked about how much of a hassle it can be to contain Jones.
“He’s had a great season,” Pederson said. “This guy is probably one of the best, if not the best we’ve seen this season and we’ve played some good ones. “He’s interior D-Lineman and he’s explosive, he’s powerful. He can move guys off spots, rush the passer”.
“There’s not a whole can’t do and we’ve got to understand where he is”.Teams try to put as many hands on him as possible and he still gets there”, Pederson said.
Jones had a monster season in 2022, making 17 starts and registering 15.5 sacks, 44 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and even four passes defensed. Moreover, he made the Pro Bowl and earned a First-Team All-Pro designation. Even when Jones doesn’t get to the quarterback, his presence allows his teammates to create pressure and make plays.
Back in Week 9, Jones logged 1.5 sacks, two total tackles, and one tackle for a loss. If the Jags can slow him down, they will make it considerably easier for Lawrence and the offense to move the ball.