The Jacksonville Jaguars just beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by 21 points. Who would have known that a team that just lost to the New York Jets in overtime would turn around to knock off one of the preseason top contenders in the AFC.
The Jaguars are a possession away from being 4-1 and as of Oct. 8, sit on top of the AFC South at 3-2.
The Jaguars have lost their number one wide receiver (Allen Robinson) and still have proven people wrong through the first five weeks of this season. Leonard Fournette has hit the ground running and is the front runner for Rookie of the Year.
Their offense hasn’t been spectacular but their defense has proven that they are here to stay. Is this the year for the Jaguars to get through the AFC South and make the playoffs?
Defense
In five games this season, the Jaguars have given up 83 points, which comes out to slightly under 17 points per game.
In those same five games, they have scored four defensive touchdowns. They are only allowing 147 yards per game through the air and have been getting timely turnovers to help the defense get off the field.
In total the Jaguars have generated 10 turnovers, and four of them have led to scores.
At the end of week five the Jaguars defense gave an elite quarterback absolute fits. Ben Roethlisberger completed 60 percent of his passes on his way to 312 yards, zero touchdowns and five interceptions, leaving his final QBR at 37.8.
They also managed to jumble up one of the league’s best running backs. Le’veon Bell finished with 15 carries for 41 yards, totally 3.1 yards per carry.
For a team defense in recent history has been a joke in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars have come and long way.
Rushing game
Now let’s talk about the guy who is putting the offense on his shoulders. Leonard Fournette has five rushing touchdowns in the first five games and has 466 yards in those games.
He is averaging over four yards per carry and has 13 catches for 128 receiving yards and a touchdown as well. Fournette has been extremely impressive thus far for the Jaguars. Many were asking questions about Blake Bortles and his production, and Leonard Fournette has lightened the work load.
Bortles is averaging under 200 yards passing but the key for the offense has been limiting mistakes. The offense doesn’t need to be spectacular when the defense has been this good. Sometimes the best thing for the offense is to punt it deep and let the defense do their thing.
With the defense playing so well, opposing offenses having to go 10+ plays on them is extremely difficult. If the Jaguars offense can limit mistakes and protect their defense, it makes it extremely difficult for opposing teams.
AFC South
The AFC South a month ago looked like it was going to be a dog fight. With Marcus Mariota banged up, the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to take advantage.
With their rookie running back and strong defense leading the way, the Jags should be competing heavily for the AFC South title down the stretch. If they can minimize turnovers on offense and maximize them on defense they will be a tough team to stop.
Bold prediction: They finish at 12-4 and win the AFC South.
Featured Image from FootballSpot.com.
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