The Jacksonville Jaguars gave the Philadelphia Eagles everything they could handle but ultimately came up short. While there's no such thing as a moral victory, it was nice to see the Jags take things down to the wire. Moreover, several of their players had exciting individual performances. One of them was defensive end Travon Walker, who scored a defensive touchdown.
Down 22-8, needed a spark and Walker provided it, scooping a Saquon Barkley fumble and taking it to the house. Trevor Lawrence then connected with tight end Evan Engram on a successful two-point conversion to draw within 22-16 of Philly.
Don't look now...#JAXvsPHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/e1SZUQawAB
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) November 3, 2024
Following the game, John Kosko of Pro Football Focus praised Walker, pointing out that maybe he's reaching his potential after posting marks of 70.0 or higher in three of the past three games.
"Is Walker starting to realize his potential? Over the past five games, he has three games grading over 70.0 overall, including two above 81.0. Prior to this season, Walker had graded over 80.0 just once for a game in his college or NFL careers. He has a 77.2 overall grade the past five games."
Based on how Walker is playing, it's fair to say that the team's brass is pleased with his development in Year 3. With that in mind, here are three predictions for Week 3.
Travon Walker will have a pick-6 vs. the Vikings in Week 10
The former Georgia Bulldog will build off his amazing outing against the Eagles and score a defensive touchdown in Week 10. This time, though, it will be on an interception return. That's right, he'll register a pick, his first one since his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2022 season.
It's easy to forget but Travon Walker had a jaw-dropping debut, registering an interception and a sack. He would later cool down but showed, at least for a game, that the talent was there. The Thomaston, Georgia native will once again come through against the Vikings.
Brian Thomas Jr. will go over 100 yards for the 2nd time this season
There's no denying Brian Thomas Jr. is having an impressive season, registering 35 receptions for 595 yards with five touchdowns. He's on pace to become the first Jaguars rookie to register 1,000 yards and is a dark horse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Yet, the former LSU Tiger has only posted one 100-yard game this season. He'll change that against Minnesota.
As of this writing, Trevor Lawrence's status for the game is in question, but it looks like Mac Jones will get the nod. Regardless of who starts behind center, Thomas will show out and remind everyone just how good he is.
Walker Little will give up no sacks or pressures and keep the Jaguars QB upright
Walker Little has been a mixed bag since he replaced Cam Robinson at left tackle in Week 8. The former Stanford Cardinal didn't give up a single sack or pressure against the New England Patriots but has surrendered six total pressures and one sack the past two games.
With Robinson now in Minnesota, Little is auditioning for the job long-term. He'll make a strong impression in 10 by holding off Jonathan Greenard and keeping whoever starts at quarterback upright. This means he'll allow no sacks or pressures.