The Jaguars faced off against inter-conference rivals the NY Jets on Sunday, hyped as a battle between offensive rookie of the year candidates. The Jags entered the game firmly atop the AFC South, while the Jets continue to battle for a wildcard stop behind division leader Buffalo Bills.
The Jets controlled the ball first and struck quickly, going the length of the field in a handful of plays to go up 7-0. The Jags responded with a more methodical drive, but yielding a similar result, tying the game at 7-7. The score through the first half was more or less back and forth, capped off by a Jets field goal facilitated by a Jaguars time out (mental error) with 14 seconds left in the half.
The Jags entered the second half up 4, and were able to go up 7 on a Josh Lambo field goal after receiving the ball to begin the half. The Jets were unable to respond, punting the ball back to the Jags. The punt represented the beginning of the end of the Jets, as the Jags would go up 14 off a D.J. Chark jump ball touchdown. This touchdown somewhat forced the Jets hand, especially against the run biased Jags offense, led by Denard Robinson and Derrick Henry. Jets rookie quarterback Brett Farve put up a valiant effort, throwing for 273 yards and 1 TD, but ultimately turnovers would prove to be the Jets downfall.
The Jags would go on to win the game 41-17, behind the quality play of rookie quarterback Denard Robinson. Denard finished the game throwing 15 for 22 for 258 yards and 4 TDs, with an additional 59 yards added on the ground. Receivers Breshad Perriman and D.J. Chark shined, hauling in 2 TDs each on a combined 8 receptions. Running back Derrick Henry was held in check on the ground, only rushing for 47 yards on 14 attempts, but added 3 receptions and 40 yards through the air.
On the defensive side of the ball the Jags defensive ends K’Lavon Chaisson and Carl Lawson created pressure on the quarterback, each finishing with 2 sacks on the day. The pressure contributed to questionable decisions by Farve, who gave up an interception to 3 separate Jags defensive backs throughout the game.
The Jags will look to continue their winning ways against the Broncos next week, as they look to lock up the AFC South with a couple of key wins over the next few weeks.
The Jags took on division rival the Houston Texans at home on Sunday. The Jags had lost to the Texans two week prior in a close game, so anticipation was high as a win for the Texans would bring them within a game of leading the AFC South, while holding the tie break over the division leading Jags.
The game started slow, with both teams struggling to get the ball into the end zone during the first half. The game took off for the Jaguars during the second half, under the leadership of rookie Denard Robinson and veteran Derrick Henry. Denard finished the game 13 for 23 for 291 yards and 1 TD and rushed 8 times for 51 yards. A long touchdown to veteran speedster Jakeem Grant provided the spark the offense needed, with Grant finishing the game with 3 catches for 133 yards and 1 TD. Though not utilized early, game script in the 2nd half called on Derrick Henry to close out the ballgame, a role he was born to play. Henry finished the game with 17 attempts for 72 yards and 2 TDs, part of 2 crucial long drives that ended in scores to seal the victory. The Jags also continued to work in backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, who scored a touchdown on a QB keeper read option from the 7 yard line.
On the defensive side of the ball rookies Carl Johnson and Eli Massie continued to impress. Johnson finished the game with 2 INTs, and Massie contributed with 1 INT and 1 FF. The Jaguars defense was able to keep RB phenom Arian Foster in check as well, though really they were only able to keep him out of the end zone. Foster carried the ball 13 times for 103 yards, 50 of which came on a monster run in the second half. Massie and Johnson are just part of a young talented core of defensive players, including Myles Jack, C.J. Henderson, and Marcus Williams, that the Jaguars hope to build around for multiple seasons to come.
The Jaguars won the game 28-9, and will look to continue to solidify their playoff hopes next week against conference rival the NY Jets.
The Jaguars extended their winning streak to Sunday, beating the Seattle Seahawks at home 42-24.
The Jaguars offense entered the game featuring a new face at RB after running back making a blockbuster trade late this week. The Jaguars received Derrick “Yeti” Henry from the Titans, while shipping off running back Phillip Lindsay and young edge Josh Allen. Phillip Lindsay had previously been having a career year carrying the ball, and young talent at edge is hard to come by, so Jags fans were eager to see a return on investment.
Luckily for fans the Jags offense did not disappoint, scoring 6 total TDs on the day. Rookie QB Denard Robinson continued his success, throwing 10 for 12 for 183 yards and 3 TDs while rushing 8 times for 76 yards. D.J. Chark was the recipient of all 3 touchdowns, catching 5 receptions for 119 yards. The Jags continued mixing in multiple QBs, with Gardner Minshew throwing for 51 yards and rushing for 13 yards. Derrick Henry did not disappoint in his debut, rushing 17 times for 135 yards, 3 TDs, and multiple disguising stiff arms. The Jags offense looks to be one of the more potent run offenses in the league, entering the week as the second ranked rushing offense in the league.
Jacksonville’s defense played well, if not unspectacularly. Unlike other games this season the Jags defense was unable to force a turnover, though the defense did get off the field on multiple third and fourth downs. Second year defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson logged his first sack of the season, taking over at edge for recently traded Josh Allen.
The Jags will look to continue their success next week against the Houston Texans.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, refreshed off their week 5 bye, faced off at home against the Colts Sunday, in inter-divisional matchup sure to have playoff implications down the road. The Jaguars entered the game 3-1, while the Colts entered 2-2.
The story of the game would end up being the involvement of rookie quarterback Denard Robinson, who for the first time this season lined up on the line of scrimmage not under center, something the Jaguars surely worked into their offense during their bye week. Denard primarily took snaps from center, contributing on offense with his arm and his legs as usual, but also lined up as a tight end, using his breakneck speed to create mismatches with linebackers. This allowed former starter Gardner Minshew to showcase his ability, himself throwing 3 completions on 3 attempts for 46 yards and a TD (throwing a rare QB to QB touchdown). Denard would go on to log a “Football Triple Double”, throwing, rushing, and receiving a TD pass throughout the game. Denard would end with a comical stat line accounting for exactly 300 total yards of offense, including:
Denard’s versatility on offense somewhat overshadowed the Colts QB Colin Kaepernick, who dotted up the Jaguars defense, completing 28 of 31 attempts for 346 yards. Luckily for the Jaguars, the defense bent but did not break, holding the Colts to multiple field goals after allowing the Colts to drive all the way down the field. The Jags were unable to force a turnover, but good coverage in the secondary allowed for Jacksonville’s front four to get home, sacking Kaep 5 times on the day. The Jags front four was led by edge Josh Allen, who accounted for 2 of the 5 sacks. Their secondary was led by second year corner C.J. Henderson, who broke from his usual lurker role to secure 5 tackles on the day.
Ultimately the game came down to a last minute drive, with the Colts leading 21-20. The Jags were able to drive the ball down field enough to get in range of kicker Josh Lambo. Lambo has struggled throughout the season, and was put under increased pressure today as the Colts iced the young kicker from 47 yards out. Lambo didn’t get all of it, but the kick flew true and had just enough gas to sneak above the crossbar with no time remaining to win the game. Hopefully Lambo can build on his success in games to come, as kicking clearly still is a watch area for the Jaguars. Rumors around Jacksonville have circulated the idea of the Jags going kicker early in the draft, but at this point in the season Lambo still has plenty of time to prove himself if those rumors are indeed true.
The Jaguars will look to continue their winning ways against Russel Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks next week.
Week 4 brought a divisional matchup between the 2-1 Jaguars and 3-0 Titans, with the winner taking control of 1st place in the AFC South via tiebreaker.
The Titans entered the game led by veteran Ryan Tannehill, though many have been calling for the Titans to offload Tannehill’s massive contract in favor of 2nd year prospect Steve McNair. Those naysayers have a valid argument, as it may not matter who hands the ball off to RB sensation Derrick Henry. Henry entered the game averaging almost 100 yards per game, and it is no secret to opposing defenses who is the X-Factor to stop on Tennessee’s offense.
Jacksonville’s defense has had success against the run this season, but struggled against the Titans ground game. Henry finished the game with 119 yards and a TD on only 7 rushes. Luckily for the Jags defense Henry was scripted out of the game quickly by stellar play from Jacksonville’s offense. Denard Robinson was a perfect 12-12 for 153 yards and 2 TDs, linking up with D.J. Chark and Damion Ratley to provide points through the air. Denard contributed another TD on the ground, running for 90 yards on 14 carries. RB Phillip Lindsey continued to impress on the ground, carrying the ball 14 times for 110 yards and 2 TDs.
Despite their struggles against the run, the defense found ways to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers through the air down the stretch. Veteran journeyman Lawrence Guy led the defensive line with 2 sacks and a forced fumble, while cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Carl Johnson each added a pick through the air. Kicker Josh Lambo continued to struggle, missing another extra point. Luckily for Lambo his mishaps have not led to losses, but clearly the young kicker has some demons to exercise moving forward before he can be considered a reliable option in close games. Head coach Doug Marrone continues to preach confidence in Lambo, but don’t be surprised to see the Jags offense stay out on the field more for 4th downs and 2-point conversations if things don’t improve.
The Jags will look to build on their 3 game win streak against the Colts after the bye.
The Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to Arizona to face off against the 0-2 Cardinals. The Jags looked to build on their success against the San Francisco 49ers while the Cardinals looked to save themselves from a dreaded 0-3 start to the season. To their credit, the Cardinals entered the year with the hardest strength of schedule in the NFL, facing league juggernauts such as the Washington Football Team early in the year.
Jacksonville struggled to move the ball through the air, with the Cards figuring out early that rookie quarterback Denard Robinson is more of a threat on the ground, and adjusting accordingly. Denard finished the game 12-24 for 149 yards, a TD, and 3 INT. Luckily for Denard and the Jaguars the run game continued to succeed without Denard, led by breakout sensation Philip Lindsey on 175 yards and a TD. Denard contributed to the run game initially but was shut down early by key adjustments on defense by the Cards. Denard finished 8 for 36 on the ground, with the majority of his yards coming on a single 28 yard carry in the first quarter.
Jacksonville made up for its lackluster play with stellar defense, forcing 7 total turnovers on the day, 6 INTs and 2 FF (one of which was recovered). The defense was led by LB Myles Jack and SS Rayshawn Jenkins, who collectively accounted for 3 of the 6 interceptions. Rookie CB Carl Johnson and FA splash signing Marcus Williams each contributed their own INT, with safety Ryan Neal bringing up the rear with the 6th interception.
Ultimately the game came down to a flurry of possessions and turnovers in the final few minutes, with Jacksonville throwing a pick six on 4th down in the final minutes to lose the lead and then themselves picking off Kyler Murray with 40 seconds left to set themselves up for a game winning field goal. Josh Lambo, who had missed an extra point and a 35 yard field goal during the game, was able to nail a long field goal in the final seconds to win the game. Ultimately the game was a roller coaster of emotions that many watching dubbed as “game of the year so far”, with many reportedly saying “boy I wish we had ways to flag potentially exciting games before they are played to increase attendance”. Ah well, all in the life of a struggling small market NFL franchise it seems. The Jags will look to continue their success on defense next week, while taking the next few practices to figure out a more balanced and reliable offense.
The Jags faced off against the 49ers at home in the rain on Sunday, with the Jags entering at 0-1 and the Niners entering a 1-0. The wet conditions may have favored the Jags against another team, but the 49ers traditionally strong running game had experts predicting a sloppy ground and pound battle between the two offenses.
The 49ers got the ball first, but quickly turned the ball over on a long run turned fumble forced by the Jags secondary. The Jags offense did not waste the opportunity, driving the ball down the field capped off by a Philip Linsey touchdown to go up 7-0. Turnovers would be the key difference maker between the two teams, with the Jags defense able to force 6 total ( 5 INT and 1 FF) compared to the 49ers 2 turnovers. The Jags exited the 1st quarter up 20-7 and never looked back, holding the 49ers scoreless until the 4th quarter while their offense added another 15 points.
The Jags offense entered the game looking to shed some of the rust on display in week 1 vs. the Rams. Rookie QB Denard Robinson looked to build on his ability to rush the ball but do better protecting the football, hoping to avoid a repeating a 5 interception game. Denard showcased his legs as expected, rushing 15 times for 92 yards, but also protected the ball through the air, completing 12 passes on 15 attempts for 132 yards, a TD, and 1 INT. However the star of the Jags offense was RB Philip Lindsey, who exploded for 133 yards and 3 TDs on 17 carries, while adding 56 yards and a TD through the air. The 4 TD, almost 200 total yard game will certainly put Lindsey in the discussion for offensive player of the week. Something to watch — the Jags kicker Josh Lambo struggled in the elements, missing 3 extra points throughout the contest. Fortunately for Lambo those missed points did not have game altering consequences, but Lambo’s performance should be something to keep an eye on moving forward.
Ultimately, the Jags were able to shut down the 49ers strong run game (holding to 63 total rush yards) to win the game 35-19. The Jags will look to build on this win next week against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Jaguars faced off yesterday in their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The Jags entered the season with high expectations, having made some splash signings in free agency and having cashed in on 2 early first round picks to fill holes in their secondary.
The Jags won the toss and choice to kick, a move they hoped would yield them a double dip opportunity at half. The Rams came out swinging, running the ball with 2nd year RB Cam Akers with extreme efficiency. Akers would finish the game with 17 carries, 188 yards and a TD. The Rams set the young Jags team on their heels immediately, taking the ball down the field on a long, methodical drive to score a TD and go up 7-0.
All eyes were on rookie QB Denard Robinson as the Jags took the field. Denard “Shoelace” Robinson is known best for his athleticism and agility, but not necessarily for his throwing prowess. The Jags took a chance on Denard, hoping they can stoke the same magic that created other dual threat quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, but a matchup against a strong Rams secondary would be a test for the young QB. Denard looked good on his first drive, mostly relying on his legs to drive the ball down the field, but the drive ground to a halt just inside field goal range and the Jags had to settle for a field goal.
7-3 in the late 1st quarter proved to be the last time the Jags had the Rams within striking distance. The Jags defense, which had been bolstered in the off season, had no answers for the Rams defense. The Jags offense struggled from behind as well, built primarily as a running team. Denard struggled to push the ball down the field through the air, eventually throwing 5 into in the process. The Jags defense found their legs in the 2nd half, providing some spark with 5 total sacks on the day, but at that point the game was well out of hand and no comeback could be made. The Rams went on to win the game 42-17.
Notable stat lines for the Jags included:
The Jags will look to right the ship next week against the high powered run game of the San Francisco 49ers.
Divisional rivals the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears met at Soldier Field on Sunday for a much anticipated battle. The Lions entered the contest a disappointing (but not unexpected) 4-7. The Bears on the other hand entered with lofty playoff aspiriations, projected for the 6th seed entering the game at 7-4.
The Bears won the toss and deferred. The Lions responded, methodically driving the ball down the field and scoring, taking the lead 7-0. The Bears offense, led by Jameis Winston, attempted to respond with all the makings of their own scoring drive, but an interception ground the drive to a halt and swung possession back to the Lions. Jameis struggled to protect the ball throughout the game, to totaling 2 interceptions by the time the final whistle blew.
Going into half the Lions led 17-14. That is where the Bears “bend don’t break” defense drew the line. The Bears defense did not allow a single point for the remainder of the game, spurred on by some key 3rd down stops and an interception by Eddie Jackson. The Bears offense capitalized on the defenses strong play. The Bears receiving core was led by Scotty Miller and Darnell Mooney, combining for 7 receptions, 159 yards, and a touchdown. Darnell Mooney also got involved in the ground game from the wildcat formation, rushing 4 times for 23 yards and a TD. In the 4th quarter the Bears offense rode on the back of running back David Montgomery, who rushed 10 times for 60 yards and a TD.
The Bears won the game 27-17, stretching their win streak to 4 and further solidifying their claim to a playoff spot. However, 2 critical divisional matchups remain in the next 4 games that could make or break the Bears season: a rematch against the Vikings in week 15 and a season close out matchup against the Packers in week 17. If the Bears want to keep their playoff hopes and dreams alive they’ll need to remain perfect in division (and ideally in general) for the remainder of the season. The Bears will look to continue their win streak next week against Deshaun Watson and the Texans.
The Bears took on the Packers on Sunday in a game draped with playoff implications. Both teams entered the game at 6-4, with the Bears at 1-1 in division and the Packers at 1-2 in division.
The Bears defense continued their excellent play, forcing 5 turnovers (4 INT and a fumble) and 3 sacks. The Bears rookie defensive end Julius Peppers led the defense with all 3 sacks and a forced fumble, finally getting on the stat sheet after spending the first 11 weeks without a sack. Linebacker/Safety Obi Melifonwu contributed with 2 of the 4 interceptions, and rookie Cornerback Chris Claybrooks led the secondary with 4 tackles and an interception, his first as a Bear. The Bears defense cashed 2 defensive touchdowns from these turnovers.
On the offensive side of the ball the Bears did what was necessary to win the game: protect the football and manage the clock. Jameis Winston did his part, throwing 10-13 for 206 and a TD. Scotty Miller was the favorite target, though favorite is an overstatement with only 3 receptions. Miller was efficient with those 3 receptions, turning in 109 and a TD. In the ground game David Montgomery struggled, going for 14 yards and 11 attempts, in addition to a single rushing TD. A double dip at half and some savvy clock management, along with 14 points from the defense, allowed the Bears to win 24-19.
The Bears continue their end of season divisional gauntlet next week against the Lions, followed by matchups against the Vikings and the Packers in 2 of the last 4 games of the season. If the Bears hope to keep their playoff hopes alive, they’ll need to continue their strong defensive play and protect the ball for the remainder of the season.
An exciting day of football Sunday was capped off by a division rivalry matchup between the Vikings and the Bears. The Vikings entered the game 7-1, top of their division and with their eyes set on a first round bye. The Bears entered 5-4, hoping to build off of their win last week and play spoiler against their nearby neighbors to the northwest.
The Vikings won the toss and elected to kick, placing the ball in the hands of Bears QB Jameis Winston. Not a terrible idea to give the Bears offense the ball first, an offense that has struggled throughout the year and is known for turning the ball over. However Winston and rookie Darnell “Savage” Mooney connected on a 60+ yard touchdown, putting the Bears up 7-0. The Vikings answered with a quick drive of their own, evening the score at 7-7 early in the 1st. From here both defenses clamped down. Both defenses forced multiple turnovers, taking the score to halftime at 14-14.
The flood gates opened in the second half, facilitated by a double dip and a bunch of luck. A couple of key stops led to 2 TDs and a field goal, putting the Bears up 31-14. From there it was a game of clock management for the Bears, though a valiant effort by the Vikings closed the gap in the 4th quarter. Highlights from the game included a wildcat Scotty Miller touchdown pass to Allen Robinson, 4 INT by the Bears defense, and a 90+ yard touchdown by Bears RB David Montgomery to seal the game in the 4th.
The Bears will look forward to some R&R in their bye week next week, and the Vikings will face off against the 4-5 Cowboys. Daaaaaaaaaaaa Bears.
An exciting day of football Sunday was capped off by a division rivalry matchup between the Vikings and the Bears. The Vikings entered the game 7-1, top of their division and with their eyes set on a first round bye. The Bears entered 5-4, hoping to build off of their win last week and play spoiler against their nearby neighbors to the northwest.
The Vikings won the toss and elected to kick, placing the ball in the hands of Bears QB Jameis Winston. Not a terrible idea to give the Bears offense the ball first, an offense that has struggled throughout the year and is known for turning the ball over. However Winston and rookie Darnell “Savage” Mooney connected on a 60+ yard touchdown, putting the Bears up 7-0. The Vikings answered with a quick drive of their own, evening the score at 7-7 early in the 1st. From here both defenses clamped down. Both defenses forced multiple turnovers, taking the score to halftime at 14-14.
The flood gates opened in the second half, facilitated by a double dip and a bunch of luck. A couple of key stops led to 2 TDs and a field goal, putting the Bears up 31-14. From there it was a game of clock management for the Bears, though a valiant effort by the Vikings closed the gap in the 4th quarter. Highlights from the game included a wildcat Scotty Miller touchdown pass to Allen Robinson, 4 INT by the Bears defense, and a 90+ yard touchdown by Bears RB David Montgomery to seal the game in the 4th.
The Bears will look forward to some R&R in their bye week next week, and the Vikings will face off against the 4-5 Cowboys. Daaaaaaaaaaaa Bears.
Defense and ball security was the name of the game for the Bears as they faced off against the Titans on Sunday. The Titans came into the game with the 9th ranked running offense in the league, unsurprising to anyone given the ability of their star running back, Derrick Henry. The Bears defense had to this point been somewhat average against to running game, allowing an average of 97 yards a game. The struggling Bears offense would also be a focus of this game. The Bears lead the league in sacks allowed and fumbles, and are 2nd worst in the league in interceptions. Three categories you don’t want to be leading if you want to win football games in the NFL.
The Bears won the toss and deferred. The Titans came out of the gates blazing, driving down the field in short order, but the Bears were able to hold the Titans to a field goal. From that point on the Bears clamped down and did not allow another score until late in the 4th quarter.
The Bears defense’s ability to hold the Titans at bay was in part facilitated by long, methodical drives from the offense. David Montgomery set the tone for the offense with over 100 yards rushing, and Jameis Winston was able to protect the ball and make smart decisions, resulting in over 200 yards passing, 2 TDs, and a 140 QBR. Allen Robinson lead the receiving core for the Bears with 3 receptions for 82 yards and a TD. Robinson was assisted by speedy trade deadline acquisition Scotty Miller, who chipped in with 6 receptions, 60 yards, and a TD.
Ultimately the game came down to ball control and a few key possessions, with the Bears being able to double dip with a TD on either side of the half. The Bears controlled the clock on offense, were able to get the Titans behind on the scoreboard early, and were able to force the Titans to scheme away from Derrick Henry for the remainder of the game. Henry finished the game with 6 carries, 11 yards, and no touchdowns.
The Bears will look forward to a division rival matchup against the Vikings before hitting the bye week in week 11. The division matchup will certainly have playoff implications, though the Vikings seem the be pulling away from the rest of the division at 7-1. The Bears will look to reel them back in next week building off ball control and defense.