Andre Cisco and other Jacksonville Jaguars who must shine vs. the Steelers in Week 8
• Here are 5 Jaguars players who need to step up
No. 4 Jaguars player who must shine vs. the Steelers: Montaric Brown, CB
Cornerback Tyson Campbell missed last week with a hamstring injury. He's listed as questionable for the game but if he isn't good to go, Montaric Brown will replace him in the starting lineup for the second straight game.
Brown, a seventh-round pick in last year's draft, gave up a big play early in the game but also had two huge passes defensed, including the one that prevented New Orleans from scoring. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, for one, was complimentary of the cornerback's performance against the Saints.
Montaric Brown stepped in and stepped up.
— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) October 20, 2023
Brown allowed just 4 Recs on 10 Targets for 56 Yards, including 2 crucial PBUs. #Jaguars
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"For him to be able to step up and make the plays that he made, it was huge," Caldwell told the media Friday. "Going back like he hasn't had the opportunity. But we saw the work in practice and we understand that he has a talent and he had a chance to showcase his ability."
With Darious Williams probably covering George Pickens, Brown could zero in on Diontae Johnson, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Slowing him down would go a long way toward stymying the Steelers' passing game.
No. 3 Jaguars player who must shine vs. the Steelers in Week 8: Calvin Ridley, WR
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley had only one catch for five yards against the Saints in Week 7 but that was mostly because the Saints double teamed him thoughout most of the game. On the bright side, he draw coverage away from his teammates, which in turn helped them get favorable matchups.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor told the media Thursday that they'll go where the matchup allows them to, "We want to do the right thing and go where we're supposed to go with the football based on whatever they're allowing us. However, he also acknowledged that they need to get Ridley the ball.
Calvin Ridley has proven he's still the playmaker he was early in his career, which is why teams will devote significant resources to stopping him. It won't be any different against the Steelers.