Jaguars not ready for the spotlight in 2023: 3 takeaways from Week 10 loss vs. 49ers
• The 49ers put an end to it at EverBank Field
• Jacksonville has their work cut out heading into Week 11
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a chance to solidify their place as one of the top teams in the NFL in Week 11. All they had to do was dispose of a San Francisco 49ers team that was riding a three-game losing skid entering the game. However, the 49ers proved to be too much for the Jags, who ultimately lost 34-3.
Although this isn't Jacksonville's first loss of the year, it was without a doubt the most embarrassing one. They were outmatched on both offense and defense, with neither side being able to make plays. Granted, the defense made a handful of stops before halftime and limited San Francisco to 10 points. However, the offense couldn't take advantage of the opportunities and mustered a measly three points in the second half.
This was particularly surprising because the Jags missed several opportunities before their BYE but they also displayed competence and managed to win five games in a row. Against the Niners though, they looked uninspired, and out of sync. On the bright side, Jacksonville has ample time to make adjustments and clean up mistakes. With that in mind, here are three takeaways from the game.
3. The Jaguars defense flashed but the 49ers were too much to overcome
The Jags held San Francisco to three points in the first half but things snowballed after halftime. They gave up lots of yards early on but would eventually force stops. But after tight end George Kittle's touchdown pass in the third quarter to make it 20-3, things fell apart. The defense started to give up big plays and would go on to allow two more touchdowns.
Safety Andre Cisco didn't look well in his first game back from a hamstring injury and linebacker Devin Lloyd made a couple of baffling mistakes, including a facemask penalty, and giving up a touchdown. Josh Allen and Travon Walker did a good job of consistently bringing the heat but failed to get to Bruck Purdy, who was seemingly unfazed by the pressure.
On top of that, that Jaguars defense that was known for creating takeaways at a high rate this season didn't show up Sunday. While the offense turned the ball over four times, the defense didn't tally a single takeaway. Add their inability to stop the 49ers and you can see why they had one of their worst performances of the season.