Jaguars' surging offense sparks hope for another shocking playoff run

The Jaguars got off to a dreadful start in 2024, losing four consecutive games to start the season. One big reason behind their struggles was that the offense couldn't move the ball efficiently, let alone put points on the scoreboard. However, the unit has gotten much better in recent weeks and could potentially propel the Jags into the playoffs.

The Jacksonville offense was among the worst in the league early in the season. It wasn't until Week 4 that it finally reached the 20-point mark. The group was marred by drops, untimely penalties, and less-than-ideal blocking up front. It didn't help that Trevor Lawrence looked indecisive and his timing was off. However, the Jags have made a 180-degree turn since Week 5.

The offense began to display consistency in the Week 4 loss but it wasn't until the following game, against the Indianapolis Colts, that the Jags showed their offensive potential, scoring a season-best 37 points. Two weeks later, they beat the New England Patriots 32-16. In between, they lost to the Chicago Bears 35-17, but it's clear that the Jags are trending in the right direction.

So why have the Jaguars been so successful the past three weeks? You could make the case their offense looked much better than it really was in Week 7 because they faced the struggling New England Patriots. However, they also faced the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns — two of the worst teams in the NFL — and lost. Since then, the offense has played much better. One reason is the improved play of the offense line.

Although the Jaguars gave up 14 pressures and three sacks against the Chicago Bears, they allowed a combined six total pressures and no sacks in Weeks 4, 5, and 6. Not surprisingly, Lawrence has also played much better,

On top of that, running back Tank Bigsby has been a revelation this season, toting the rock 67 times for 415 yards with seven touchdowns. What makes his ascension even more surprising is that he actively hurt his team when he was on the field. Fast forward to 2024, and he's quickly becoming one of their most dynamic players.

When you add everything up, the Jaguars have the recipe to make an unexpected playoff run like they did in 2022. That year, they started 3-6 and even lost five consecutive games at one point. However, they just kept putting in the work and won six of their last seven games to qualify for the postseason and win the AFC South.

A tough road to the playoffs awaits the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence

There's no doubt that the Jacksonville Jaguars have played much better, but their biggest test is yet to come. From Weeks 8 to 11, they'll face four playoff-bound teams: The Green Bay Packers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Detroit Lions. All of them are much better than the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, the two teams the Jags have beaten this season.

This is to say that the four weeks will give the Jaguars a true test. If they can go 3-4, they'll have a shot at making the playoffs. Conversely, losing would not only knock them out of contention but it might also spell the end of head coach Doug Pederson's stint in Jacksonville.

The bottom line is that the offense needs to keep playing at a high level if the Jaguars want to stay afloat. It's not hyperbole to say that the next four weeks will define their season.

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