JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars (5-2) had a couple of days off after beating the New Orleans Saints 31-24 on Thursday Night Football and completing a stint in which the team won four games in 19 days. Now the Jags are back in business and preparing for their next opponent: the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2).
“Understanding the type of team we’re playing this week,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said. “They’ve beat some really good football teams this year already. They play hard. They play physical. If you’re not ready for this one, it’s going to be a long day.”
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Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is still healing from a knee injury he suffered at the end of the Colts game in Week 6. Lawrence wore a knee brace all week and played with the brace on in New Orleans.
“It feels good,” Lawrence said. “I’m continuing to progress and head in the right direction. I think it’s getting better every day. With something like this, it’s not overnight so I understand that too. I feel really good, I’m happy with where I’m at and just trying to be smart and keep getting healthy and not take a step back.”
Outside of AFC South divisional opponents, the Jags have not played any other team more than the Steelers. They’ve played each other 25 times. The last time the AFC playoff contenders faced off in the regular season in Pittsburgh was back in 2017 when the Jaguars beat the Steelers 30-9. In that game, the defense forced five turnovers. Pittsburgh is led by head coach Mike Tomlin who has been at the helm since 2007.
“I know Mike pretty well and I’ve coached against him several times now,” Pederson said. “A lot of respect for him and what he has done there. He does a great job of just getting his teams prepared. The way he messages his team motivates his team. They play hard. They play physical. They’re fast. It’s a disciplined group and they always have been. It’s kind of the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers over time through history. He’s definitely carried that on in his career there as the head coach.”
The trip to Pittsburgh will be the first time Lawrence plays in Acrisure Stadium.
“I’m excited,” Lawrence said. “It’s definitely one to check off the list, playing in cool stadiums and historic places. Their whole organization has like an aura around it and that’s really cool. You always know what kind of team Pittsburgh is going to have every year: super physical, great defense. Their offense is playing really well, you know what you’re going to get. We’ve played in some hostile environments like Kansas City, New Orleans, I think those are up there. This will be another one that’ll be a challenge. It’ll be fun to play them and be a fun atmosphere.”
The Steelers on defense are led by linebacker TJ Watt who is second in the NFL with eight sacks, while Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen is tied for fourth in the league with seven sacks. Watt also has 16 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one interception in six games this season.
“He’s not just a pass rusher, he’s a great defensive player,” Lawrence said. “He’s good against the run. He’s good dropping in coverage. I mean he’s just an all-around great player and you have to always know where he’s at. You have to have a plan for him. It definitely puts some stress on you. Then you look at the other side you have Highsmith who I actually played against in college. It’s both of those guys really. That’s what makes it challenging too you don’t have to worry about just one guy, you got one on each edge. It’s a challenge and we’re going to have to have a great plan for it, we will, but we’re working through all of that right now and it’ll be a good battle on Sunday.”
On offense, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has connected with wide receiver George Pickens 27 times for 500 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season.
“He’s a good player,” Pederson said of Pickens. “He’s a dominant player. He’s big and athletic. He runs well. He catches the ball. He can high point. I think he’s about 18.5 yards per attempt. He’s three 100-yard games this year already. So he’s playing at a high level for them and the quarterback is very comfortable with him.”
The Jaguars are missing a few starters who are still out rehabbing from injury. Pederson says he “anticipates” wide receiver Zay Jones, offensive lineman Walker Little, and defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton “doing something today in practice”. He added “we’re anticipating Zay any day, potentially this week or in the near future.” Cornerback Tyson Campbell will also practice Wednesday, “we’ll limit him, but we’ll see where he’s at as the week goes,” Pederson said.
The Jaguars Week 8 opponent is its last one before the team has their bye next week to mark the halfway point to the regular season.
“We can still play better,” Pederson said. “I think there’s a lot left out on the field each weekend that we can learn from and improve especially the back half of the season. It’s a credit to the players though and we’ve had our fair share of injury. Guys have stepped up and played well in backup situations. Your expectation is to win every game obviously and we haven’t, but pleased with where we are.”
The Jaguars will face the Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CBS.