Jacksonville Jaguars move to 6-2 after beating Steelers: 3 takeaways from Week 8

The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10 in Week 8 despite facing unfavorable conditions. On top of playing in the rain, they had to deal with loud fans waving little yellow towels throughout most of the game.

But in the end, the Jags managed to come on top and knowing they'll enter their BYE with a 6-2 record. On the surface, this might not seem like a big deal until you realize this is the best start the Jags have had in more than 20 yards.

It's also worth noting that the Jags haven't lost on the road this season. Their two losses came in at EverBank Stadium. Who would've thought before the start of the season that Jacksonville would travel well? If you didn't, they prove they do. Either way, here are three takeaways from their win over Pittsburgh in Week 8.

3. The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to win despite making many mistakes

The weather certainly played a role early in the game but it was still a bit odd to see the Jaguars offense making so many mistakes. First, tight end Evan Engram lost a fumble. Then Trevor Lawrence threw an interception in the red zone. Then in the second half, rookie Tank Bigsby had another fumble when he filled in for Travis Etienne, who briefly exited the game but later returned.

The silver lining is that the Jaguars have shown the ability to win games even if they make mistakes. They've done in previous games and they did once again in Week 8. During their BYE, the coaching mistake will most likely focus on all those things that have held back the offense and look for ways to fix them.

2. Jaguars S Andrew Wingard keeps their streak of games with turnovers alive vs. Steelers

Turnovers have been a topic of discussion for the Jaguars' defense dating back to last year. They won several games because of key takeaways and they're doing more of the same this season. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun told the media not long ago that he and his teammates have talked about the importance of creating turnovers since the offseason.

Coincidentally, Oluokun had a pick-six against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. When defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell was asked if the veteran linebacker and team captain had done anything different in preparation for the game, he said that he didn't. They've simply put in the work and they're ripping the rewards.

In Week 8, the Jaguars kept their streak of games creating turnovers alive. Safety Andre Cisco, who's been dealing with a hamstring injury, missed the game. In his pace, team captain Andrew Wingard started opposite to Rayshawn Jenkins. Right off the bat, Dewey showed up was up to the challenge, and registered a clutch interception in the fourth quarter.

It was encouraging to see Andrew Wingard make a play because the Jaguars are proving that anyone can make plays, not just Cisco, Oluokun or Josh Allen. They have enough difference-makers on defense that anyone can make a play at any given time.

1. It's time that the national media takes the Jacksonville Jaguars seriously

The Jacksonville Jaguars have routinely flown under the radar throughout most of their existence. That's partly due to playing in a small market, but mostly because they haven't been good. That needs to change ASAP.

The Jaguars got into a hot streak to make the playoffs and win the AFC South last season. They've shown the past eight games that they're not a one-year wonder. In fact, they're better than their 2022 counterpart. Not only are they riding a five-game winning streak but this has been only the third time they've started a season 2022. You have to go back more than 20 years in the past to find a season as successful as the one they're currently enjoying.

Having shown they're for real, the national media must start talking about the Jags as a serious contender. They've had Nick Wright and Colin Cowherd in their corner for a while. It's time for more talking and analysts get behind them. Sure, it hasn't been perfect but Jacksonville has proven they can overcome their own mistakes and win even when conditions aren't optimal. That's a sign of a good team, one that could make a deep playoff push.

In the past, the Jacksonville Jaguars would lose games they were supposed to win. Not anymore. It helps that this is the most talent they've had in a long time. Led by Trevor Lawrence, their offense is stacked with playmakers, including tight end Evan Engram and running back Travis Etienne among others.

The same is true for the defense. Outside linebacker Josh Allen is amont the best pass rushers in the league. Jacksonville has a talented started trio in Andrew Wingard, Tyson Campbell and Rayshawn Jenkins. Their cornerback group and linebacker corps are also filled with both playmakers and talent. It's time the NFL gives them the respect their due.