Scouting the Jacksonville Jaguars
This Sunday’s match-up is going to serve as a revenge game for our Pittsburgh Steelers. As anyone who followed last season knows, the Steelers went 0-2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. This included a loss in the playoffs that ended Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl hopes. However, things are looking different going into this game. The Steelers are rolling with a record of 6-2-1, putting them at the top of the AFC North. On the other side, Jacksonville has struggled this season. They currently sit at 3-6 and are last in the usually weak AFC South. Even with all of that being considered, the Jaguars have always had the Steelers’ number so this should be an interesting game to watch. With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s opponent.
Injury Report
The Jaguars will be coming into this one with some key players battling injuries, This is especially true on the offensive line. They will be without center Brandon Linder as he was placed on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury. Offensive tackles Ereck Flowers (knee) and Josh Walker (foot) are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Walker was unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice while Flowers was limited. Guard A.J. Cann is also listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Tight end Zach Conque is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.
They also have a couple of injuries to deal with on defense. Defensive tackles Marcell Dareus (Triceps) and Eli Ankou (Calf) are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Ankou was unable to participate in Sunday’s practice while Dareus was limited. Cornerback Quenton Meeks is also listed as questionable with an MCL injury. Meeks did not practice on Wednesday.
Jacksonville’s Offense Has Been Average At Best
The Jaguars haven’t been known for having a standout offense for the past few seasons. That hasn’t changed this year as they rank 17th in the NFL in total offense, averaging 359.4 yards per game and 17.8 points per game. In the passing game, quarterback Blake Bortles has continued to be mediocre as he is 17th in the league in passing with 2,341 yards, 12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on the season. His main target has been newly acquired Donte Moncrief who has accounted for 32 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns so far.
Jacksonville has struggled in the run game so far this season as they rank 26th in rushing offense. This is mainly due to the fact that running back Leonard Fournette has missed time due to injury. In Fournette’s absence, T.J. Yeldon has served as their leading rusher, which isn’t saying much considering he only has 346 rushing yards and one touchdown on the season.
The Jaguars Continue To Be Carried By Their Defense
As has been the case lately, the Jaguars’ offense has been the only thing holding them from being a true contender, as their defense continues to impress. They currently rank third in the league in total defense, allowing 319.1 yards per game and 22.1 points per game. Their pass defense continues to be their strong suit as they rank 1st in the NFL. They have allowed only 200.6 yards per game through the air this season. The secondary is led by arguably the best corner in the league in Jalen Ramsey who is joined by another outstanding corner A.J. Bouye. They are joined in the secondary by free safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. and strong safety Barry Church. Ramsey and Gipson are tied with linebacker Myles Jack for the team lead in interceptions with one each.
As good as their secondary has been, this defense has some work to do against the run. They rank 18th in the league in run defense as they have allowed 118.6 rushing yards per game. Their front seven is led by linebacker Telvin Smith who leads the team with 55 tackles. He is joined in the linebacker core by Myles Jack and Leon Jacobs. Their defensive line consists of Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell at the ends with Marcell Dareus at nose tackle and Malik Jackson at defensive tackle.
Final Thoughts
I believe that Jacksonville’s defense will help them keep this one close for a little bit. However, I see things going differently than last year. The Jaguars simply don’t have any answers on offense and will struggle to protect Bortles with a banged up offensive line. I fully expect T.J. Watt and/or Bud Dupree to have a big game off the edge. On defense, their secondary will make it hard on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to have a big day but the Steelers should be able to make up for it by pounding the ball with James Conner. With all things considered, I have the Steelers pulling away and winning by at least two scores.
