The Jacksonville Jaguars started the season hot. They came out of Week 5 with a 4-1 record, averaged nearly three takeaways a game, and their offense—while not stellar—put up an average of 24.8 points per game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had only been sacked six times, the run game was humming, and both the offense and defense were making critical plays at critical times.
Since then? Zero takeaways, 19 points through two games, 14 sacks, and two straight losses, one by 28 points. There are a lot of factors that led to that two-game skid, and we won't get into all of them today. However, after the bye week and a chance to reset, there are some bright spots to look forward to, but also some harsh truths the Jaguars must face—and correct—if they want to bounce back.
Bright spot No. 1: The Jaguars could get Devin Lloyd back
It's no coincidence that the defense didn't manage a single takeaway since linebacker Devin Lloyd's Week 6 injury. He's played lights-out, snagging four picks. Sports Illustrated's John Shipley recently wrote about his performance.
"Lloyd has been a star piece of the Jaguars thus far in 2025," he writes. "[He recorded] four interceptions in the first six games—including a 99-yard pick-six of Patrick Mahomes in Week 5. Lloyd and his playmaking ability have been missed in the lineup over the last few weeks, and his status will be one to watch ahead of the Raiders battle."
The good news? Lloyd practiced limited, according to the team's official website, meaning he has a chance to play this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. While his status hasn't been officially announced—he's still questionable—there's a glimmer of hope that the struggling Jaguars defense could see the return of their biggest playmaker.
Bright spot No. 2: The Jaguars rushing defense
Not necessarily anything new, but the Jaguars' rushing defense has played consistently well this year, allowing only 91 yards per game, which ranks in the top ten. Despite drafting running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders haven't been able to establish him as a true threat. Aside from a 138-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 4, Jeanty hasn't broken the 100-yard mark again this season.
Expect the see the Jaguars' front seven stuff the running game and force quarterback Geno Smith to win with his arm—something he hasn't proven himself capable of this year. The former Seahawk leads the league with 10 interceptions, and with Lloyd's (hopeful) return, it's a great opportunity for the defense to get back on track with takeaways.
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Bright spot No. 3: The Jaguars offensive line
I know, I know. I can already hear you: 14 sacks in two games? How can this be a bright spot? Keep in mind, those two games came after an injury to center Robert Hainsey (yes, I know he played in the abysmal loss to the Los Angeles Rams). Through the first five games, the unit allowed only six sacks. Jaren Feinberg of Sports Illustrated has some ideas why.
"[Starting right tackle Anton] Harrison has been playing his best football this season," Feinberg wrote. "[He's allowed] just 17 total pressures and no sacks. His run blocking has improved and is a natural fit for Coen's blocking scheme up front, making him an easy choice to earn the fifth-year option next offseason."
He continues, "Hainsey has been the cog in the middle of this unit, with the leadership role, accountability, and discipline in both pass protection and the run game. No, the last few weeks have not been his best, but he remains one of the team's best hires and should not be considered a benching possibility."
They have their weaknesses—none more apparent in the last two games—but this unit has played well in the past, and I think they can play well in the future. I'm expecting a bounce-back game, though, containing defensive end Maxx Crosby might just be their biggest challenge of the year.
Harsh truth No. 1: The Jaguars offensive line
Yes, I know, this isn't fair. I put them in both places, and that's cheating. Thankfully, I also make the rules, since I'm doing the writing.
But on a serious note, while the offensive line can be viewed as a bright spot, that wholly depends on how well they play (duh). As I mentioned, Crosby is a game-wrecker, and containing him will be the determining factor as to whether the Jaguars win this Sunday. While Feinberg was quick to praise Harrison and Hainsey as bright spots on the line, he didn't hesitate to point to the harsh truth of the Jaguars' weaknesses on the line.
"[Left tackle Walker] Little has allowed the third-most pressure amongst offensive tackles in the NFL, and Mekari is tied for the most pressures allowed amongst all guards, according to Pro Football Focus."
The Jaguars have options, though. As I've mentioned before, there are some rookies on the squad who deserve a chance to start. Jonah Monheim has already shown he can get things done, and Wyatt Milum is itching for his chance to prove himself. The Jaguars just might show a new front five against the Raiders this Sunday.
Harsh truth No. 2: The Jaguars' high number of penalties
This one comes down to penalties and foolish mistakes. The Jaguars are middle of the road when it comes to passing yards per game (215.1) and rushing yards per game (119.7), yet they sit near the bottom of the pack in points per game (eight worst with 20.9). The cause? We can't really blame it on Red Zone efficiency, since they have a respectable 62% (not great, but not terrible).
However, Jacksonville averages 75 penalty yards per game. You can't win against good teams when you're giving up that many yards for free—not to mention the times it's taken points completely off the board. The Jaguars need to button up their mistakes if they want to turn their season around, and it starts by playing game against the Raiders.
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Final thoughts
The Jaguars have a tough test against the Raiders despite their 2-5 record. Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses and will be looking to prove they can still play ball. Expect Jacksonville to lean into their strengths as they try to shut down Jeanty and force the ball into Geno's hands.