JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars snapped a five-game losing streak with a 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. As with every game the Jaguars had lost this season, it was close in the fourth quarter, but this time, the Jaguars found a way to win. Here are my four biggest takeaways from the game:
The Jaguars didn’t roll over
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Down 17-0 at one point in the second quarter, it looked like the Jaguars were going to be blown out for the first time this year. Instead, Jacksonville went on a 24-3 run to take a 27-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. Then they found a way to win, despite a missed field goal attempt late in the quarter. The Jaguars have now led in every game this season, including eight times in the fourth quarter.
Davante Destroyed Da Jags (for a while)
For most of the first three quarters of the game, the Jaguars didn’t have an answer for Davante Adams. In the first 10:15 of the contest, Adams had six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. In the second quarter, he was on pace to break the NFL record for receiving yards in a game. The combination of the Raiders trying to run the ball more and the Jaguars controlling time of possession, Adams’ numbers slowed, but he still finished with 10 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Credit Tyson Campbell with slowing down Adams after a hot start.
Jaguars don’t believe they can be physical
Since trading away James Robinson, it’s clear that the Jaguars don’t think they can lineup run at the opponents in short yardage situations. In the first quarter, they called a toss sweep to JaMycal Hasty on third and 5. He fumbled it away. Later, on third and 1, Doug Pederson opted for a pitchout to Etienne on third and 1. He was tackled for a loss. Even when they scored, it doesn’t look physical. In the second quarter, Etienne ran up the middle on first and goal from the 1. He broke the plane of the goal line and then almost immediately fumbled. It was ruled a touchdown, and review confirmed it, but it wasn’t exactly Derrick Henry up the middle. At some point, a game is going to come down to needing to gain a yard. Will the Jaguars be able to push around the opposition?
What’s next?
Now, the Jaguars prepare for perhaps their most difficult game of the season, a road trip to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. After that, it’s the bye week. It’s difficult to imagine a scenario where the Jaguars are celebrating a win during a week off.