3 Jaguars who deserve to be benched after Week 1 loss at Dolphins

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to put the 2023 season behind them. However, some of the same mistakes that plagued them last year were still on display in the 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

While the Jags got off to a strong start and led a 17-7 lead late in the third quarter, mistakes began to pile up and they quickly lost control of the game. Looking back at the game, there's plenty of blame to go around. A handful of players failed to execute at crucial times while the coaching staff made a handful of puzzling decisions that ultimately loomed large in the outcome of the game.

Going back to players' execution, these three weren't at their best in the opener. If they continue to struggle they could be phased out of the starting lineup or lose playing time.

Jaguars LT Cam Robinson

Overall, Cam Robinson wasn't terrible in the opener but he made two glaring mistakes. The first one came on the puzzling play where the Jags went for it on fourth-and-1 on their own 32, whiffing on a block that gave a defender a clear path to Travis Etienne.

With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, Robinson gave up a sack. Granted, right tackle Anton Harrison surrendered another. That said, the Alabama product couldn't come through in crucial moments, and the Jaguars could easily turn to Walker Little if he continues to struggle.

Little, a second-round pick in 2021, has generally fared well when he's filled in for Robinson in previous years. Last year, he gave up five pressures and one sack in four starts. It wouldn't hurt to kick the tires on him and see what he's got.

Jaguars CB Ronald Darby

The Jaguars gave up two big plays in Week 1. Ronald Darby was responsible for one of them, the 63-yard reception to Jaylen Waddle. While head coach Doug Pederson believes defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen must coach his unit better, the veteran cornerback must also perform better. In total, he surrendered five completions on six targets for 111 yards.

The one thing that working in Darby's favor is that fellow cornerback Tyson Campbell will miss time with a hamstring injury. Heck, he may be a candidate for Injured Reserve, so the coaching staff cannot afford to put Darby on the sidelines right now.

Having said that, the coaching staff may not hesitate to phase out Darby in favor of rookie Jarrian Jones, who flashed throughout training camp and the preseason, if/when Campell is back in the fold.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne

Let's get this out of the way: Travis Etienne didn't single-handedly lose the game to the Dolphins. However, his lost fumble near the end of the Miami end zone certainly played a role. The fact that he only averaged 3.8 yards while sophomore Tank Bigsby thrived makes you wonder if the coaching staff will ride the hot hand in Week 2.

Bigsby has looked much better than he did in his rookie campaign, and the Jags shouldn't put his talent to waste. While Etienne will still have a role in the backfield, he could have a diminished workload moving forward.

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