The Jacksonville Jaguars are 4-2 to start the season. All things consider, that's a pretty good record when you take into account that the Jags have dealt with self-inflicted injuries the past few games. The good news is that they're having their BYE in Week 7, so the coaching staff will have ample of time to fix the issues that are holding the team back.
And while head coach Liam Coen tries to find how to get the most out of his players, here's a report card for each position group in the BYE.
Jaguars report card at the BYE: Offense
Quarterback: A
Trevor Lawrence is off to the best start to the season of his career, completing over 65.0 percent of his throws with 14 touchdowns and a manageable four interceptions. Playing in the same scheme for the second straight year certainly helps, and so does having a well-rounded arsenal of weapons.
Travis Hunter, Nate Boerkircher, and Josh Cameron have done enough to earn bigger roles in the second half of the season, and if they make a leap, Lawrence's numbers will look much better. Speaking of which, he could have put up better stats early in the season but was pulled from the game twice because the outcome of the game was already decided by the fourth quarter.
Aside from No. 16, Quinn Ewers has stepped into the QB2 job after landing in Duval via trade just before the season began. If Lawrence stays healthy, though, he probably won't see the field much.
Running back: A-
When Travis Etienne bolted for the New Orleans Saints, questions arose about their running game because it was uncertain if Bhayshul Tuten could be a viable replacement. Then again, Tune was the reason Jacksonville let Etienne walk to begin with, and he's most definitely risen to the challenge of replacing him, toting the rock 94 times for 388 yards with two touchdowns.
The only reason Tut's numbers aren't any higher is that he has yet to get 20 carries or more in a game this season. But that's due to the fact that he's part of a committee that includes Chris Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Ameer Abdullah. All three have carved out a role on offense and contribute in different ways.
The only reason the Jags don't get a higher grade at running back is that they don't run the ball as much as they should.
Tight end: B+
Jaguars tight ends don't put up monster stats, but that's because they aren't glorified slot receivers and are instead asked to block a lot. Both Brenton Strange and Nate Boerkircher fill that role well. Quintin Morris, on the other hand, isn't much of a pass catcher but is a devastating blocker.
When you add Tanner Koziol to the mix, the Jacksonville tight end unit couldn't be in better shape.
Wide receiver: B
None of the Jaguars receivers put up No. 1 numbers, but that's because they spread the ball instead of featuring just one or two players. Having said that, Parker Washington has become the top option in the passing game, while Jakobi Meyers has become one of Trevor Lawrence's trusted targets.
Although Brian Thomas Jr. has been disappointing this season, Josh Cameron has stepped up, while Travis Hunter should get a bigger role on offense in the second half of the season.
Rookie CJ Williams hasn't seen the field because the Jags are stacked at receiver but could earn snaps if Brian Thomas Jr. is traded.
Offensive line: B-
The Jacksonville offensive line has been dependable: Not great, but not dreadful either. It's certainly much better than last year, even though Anton Harrison just suffered a season-ending injury, and Walker Little will step into his left tackle spot.
You won't find any Pro Bowl-caliber hog mollies in the Jaguars' offensive trenches, but they all are more than capable of holding their own. The issue that brings down the unit's grade is the fact that they've committed an alarming amount of penalties the past three games, mostly holdings, delay of game, and false starts.
Unless, the offensive line cuts down on the penaltie, it will continue to hurt the Jags.
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Jaguars report card at the BYE: Defense
Defensive line: C
On the one hand, the Jaguars do a great job of stymying the run. Even after allowing the Texans to rack up more than 100 yards rushing, Jacksonville still ranks first in rushing yards allowed. On the other hand, the pass rush has left much to be desired.
The Jags can pressure the quarterback; the trouble is that said pressure hasn't led to either big sack numbers or turnovers. And that's the thing, you can pressure the quarterback, get him out of the pocket or rush his throws, and he'll still be able to complete a pass. This is why pressures are such a deceiving stat.
Anyway, the Jacksonville duo of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen has combined for 3.5 sacks this season; their production hasn't been proportional to their salary. Aside from Walker and Hines-Allen, Danny Striggow and Bryan Thomas Jr. haven't done much of note. The interior defensive line hasn't fared much better against the pass.
Davon Hamilton excels against the run but doesn't offer much pass-rush juice. Arik Armstead had two strong games but hasn't truly dominated. Matt Dickerson is a solid depth piece, and rookie Albert Regis has barely gotten any playing time.
At this point, nobody would bat an eye if general manager James Gladstone adds a defensive tackle or a pass rusher before the trade deadline. That's just how underwhelming the group as a whole has been.
Cornerbacks: B
Travis Hunter has quietly hit his stride at cornerback, but virtually every other Jaguars cornerback has struggled. Montaric Brown has missed time with a hamstring injury, but he wasn't particularly great before he got hurt.
Jarrian Jones has been targeted a lot this season because he's been a liability in coverage. Jourdan Lewis has already given up two touchdowns, and Jaylon Jones has yet to make his debut with Jacksonville.
Maybe the group will perform better once Brown gets back, but it wouldn't hurt to add reinforcements at cornerback at the trade deadline.
Linebackers: B+
The Jaguars haven't missed a beat without Devin Lloyd because Ventrell Miller has turned out to be a more than capable replacement. Foye Oluokun has also made several key plays this season, while Dennis Gardeck has been a solid standup pass rusher.
The other linebackers on the roster haven't gotten much playing time: Jahlani Tavai and Jalen McLeod have mostly seen playing time on special teams. On a related note, Jacksonville just signed Jamal Hill to their practice squad. Maybe he can eventually be signed to the 53-man active roster.
Safeties: B-
The Jaguars haven't gotten many big plays from their safety group this season, but some of that stems from the fact that they're dealing with lots of injuries. Caleb Ransaw is done for the year, Eric Murray missed time with a concussion, and Antonio Johnson left the Week 6 game with an injury.
Keyvon Merriweather was signed to the active roster after starting the season on the practice squad, while rookie Jalen Huskey has yet to see the field.
If the group manages to get healthier, perhaps it can bounce back in the second half of the season.
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