The Jacksonville Jaguars bounced back in dominating fashion after their collapse in Denver. The Jaguars demolished the Patriots, last year’s Super Bowl runners-up, in their second home game of the season Sunday.
The 35-6 win reestablished Jacksonville’s offense and defense as one of the league’s best against one of its expected toughest opponents of the season.
“It was the response we were looking for,” Jags coach Liam Coen said. “It was the response we talked about last week, winning the game in all three phases.”
Offense: B+
After struggling offensively against the Broncos, Trevor Lawrence captained an impressive bounce back that led Jacksonville into the end zone five times.
“I thought he did a nice job of taking the profits, being able to control it and then the zero-blitz throw that he makes on third-and-11 to Jakobi [Meyers] was incredible,” Coen said.
He finished 19-of-29 passing for 182 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. The touchdown pass to Meyers also marked the 104th of his career as a Jaguar, moving him to second all time in franchise history.
Meyers led the offense with seven receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Jacksonville also found success on the ground. It logged 137 rushing yards, as Bhayshul Tuten posted 15 carries for 73 yards while Chris Rodriguez Jr. recorded eight carries for 37 yards. They each also found the end zone in the second half.
Part of the reason for the success on the ground was the offensive line, which held up much better than in Week 2. On top of opening lanes for Tuten and Rodriguez, the group allowed just one sack and gave Lawrence plenty of time in the pocket.
Defense: A
Keeping an opponent out of the end zone for an entire game is just about as good a showing as you could ask for from your defense.
The Jaguars forced three turnovers by New England quarterback Drake Maye, with cornerbacks Travis Hunter and Jarrian Jones recording interceptions. Hunter’s interception in the end zone marked the first of his career. The defensive backs allowed a few long-yardage plays, though, including a 38-yard grab from Pop Douglas and a 34-yard one from Kyle Williams.
The linebackers unit showed out as well, with Ventrell Miller (University of Florida) and Foyesade Oluokun combining for 13 tackles and adding a pass defended and two quarterback hits, respectively.
Meanwhile, the defensive line put consistent pressure on Maye. Josh Hines-Allen and DaVon Hamilton each recorded five tackles and Hamilton recovered the fumble by Maye in the first quarter. Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro recorded six tackles, a sack and a quarterback hit.
“There’s a standard on that side of the ball in terms of being violent, being physical, running to the football,” Coen said. “[Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile] says it all the time that God rewards those who run to the ball, and it’s true. The way that they play, it takes care of itself.”
While certain players stood out Sunday, specific stands made an impact as well.
Lawrence’s sole interception of the game gave the Patriots the ball on the Jags’ 21-yard line, but Jacksonville managed to keep them out of the end zone. The visiting team settled for a 35-yard field goal from kicker Andy Borregales.
“That is massive,” Coen said. “That is so critical for momentum, points in general and just confidence.”
Special Teams: A-
The special teams unit had no glaring issues Sunday.
Cam Little missed one field goal, but a 70-yard attempt makes it hard to dock any points. He remained perfect in point-after touchdowns.
The group was solid in the punt- and kick-return game and did not allow any explosive returns on the other end. As the Jaguars had no trouble in getting into the end zone against New England, Little and the special teams unit was not utilized as much as in past weeks.
