Three Keys: How Jaguars Can Get Back in Win Column in Week 3
With the tumultuous Week 2 loss behind them, the Jaguars (1-1) face possibly an even greater challenge: taking on the reigning AFC champions.
The New England Patriots (1-1) will travel to Jacksonville for a Week 3 showdown after — much like the Jags — stumbling on its own feet to open the year. Now, each squad will look for a much-needed victory.
Here are three keys to how Jacksonville can beat the Patriots on Sunday:
More Weapons Must Step Up
It’s difficult to win football games if a team’s weapons are not being used to their full potential. That was a crucial aspect of Jacksonville’s Week 2 loss that must be corrected heading into Sunday.
Yes, eight different Jags logged a touch in the 20-13 loss, but when five of those players had two or fewer, there is much to be anticipated.
Wideout Parker Washington was the only Jag to notch more than four receptions with seven grabs for 98 yards, while the other 99 receiving yards were a combined effort. Brian Thomas Jr. was targeted nine times, but could not connect with Trevor Lawrence for much of the afternoon with three catches for 40 yards, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers added just one catch.
Week 2 in Denver was vastly different from the previous contest, when Jacksonville saw 10 players featured in the passing game. While this season has been mainly Washington’s show, Lawrence has to spread the wealth.
“And the nice thing is we have so many guys that we want to get the ball,” offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said. “The downside of it is, especially when you don’t get into a rhythm in a game and you’re facing a lot of second-and-longs and third-and-longs, you lose the ability to distribute the ball maybe the way you wanted to going into the week.”
While Drake Maye and the Patriots are still finding their footing, Jacksonville would benefit greatly from more weapons on the outside. New England allowed Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to record122 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions, but managed to keep all of the Steelers’ weapons under 40 yards receiving yards.
If Jacksonville wants to get back to its winning ways, it will have to get everyone involved rather than relying on one wideout.
“The great thing about those guys is they’re so selfless that they’re willing to do what’s best for the team at all times,” Udinski said. “Now, it’s our job as coaches to continue to find ways to distribute the ball because we have the skill guys that can all do so much with the ball in their hands.”
Bolster the Offensive Line
Much of Jacksonville’s failures in Denver can be attributed to the poor pass protection. The Jaguars watched as Lawrence had minimal time to scan the field without a hand in his face or being brought down.
The Broncos sacked Lawrence twice but added seven quarterback hits. Linebacker Nik Bonitto feasted on Jacksonville’s poor play up front, recording three touches on the quarterback.
Jacksonville thanked its power in the trenches in Week 1, but was left guessing Sunday. Tackles Anton Harrison and Cole Van Lanen were both beaten on the edges frequently, forcing Lawrence to step up in the pocket and run out of options quickly.
Guards Emmanuel Pregnon and Ezra Cleveland also had a rough outing, sporting a Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade of 44.5 and 41.5, respectively.
Both of the Broncos’ takedowns came in the first half and the offensive line played a more cohesive final 30 minutes.
“We try to stay aggressive even in the protection game,” Udinski said. “We want to feel like we’re attacking defenses. It was encouraging to see them make the adjustments and settle in there later in the game.”
New England dominated up front against the Steelers, recording four sacks and seven quarterback hits. If Lawrence has enough time to stand in the pocket and make decisions, the Jaguars will be in much better shape Sunday.
Be Resilient and Take Advantage of the Home Crowd
Of Jacksonville’s four losses in last year’s regular season, two were back-to-back. While this year’s slate has just kicked off, Sunday is pivotal to the team’s future.
The Jaguars will take the field at EverBank Stadium just four more times following the Week 3 affair. They won’t return home until their date with the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 1. The Jags are promised just a handful more contests in Jacksonville before the team calls Camping World Stadium in Orlando home until 2028.
Jacksonville was rattled by the rowdy Broncos faithful at Mile High and should be relieved to see the teal-painted end zone come Sunday. While an away environment is an aspect of the NFL that the Jaguars should learn to overcome, for now, they should lean on the familiarity of EverBank.
The Jaguars went 7-1 when playing at home across last year’s regular season, emerging victorious in all but one low-scoring 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Jacksonville averaged 30.75 points across the eight contests and picked up right where it left off in Week 1 of 2026. Jacksonville’s 34 points against the Browns extended a league-leading 11-game streak of posting 20 points or more.
Sunday provides an opportunity for the Jags to find its footing before it heads to Cincinnati, then across the pond for their two London showdowns. The clock is ticking on Jacksonville’s time at home and securing a win against the Patriots would provide ample breathing room.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on CBS with coverage starting at noon on 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF.
Category: Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL
