My apologies to the board for not posting last week. I was just flat out exhausted, and caught myself nodding during last week's game.
1. The old axiom begins "Offense sells tickets..." but I tell you, few things in football get me more stoked than a dominant performance by the defensive line. The front shut down the run and notched EIGHT (8) sacks of Jets QB Sam Darnold. Seeing our defense oppress opposing QBs like that always puts a smile on my face. You can say what you want about the Jaguars going against a depleted Jets' OL, but neither the Jaguars nor we fans should offer any apologies for that. First off, there have been plenty of sad times in our history where we've gone against depleted units on the opposing team and not only failed to exploit it, but fat out lost (thinking of 0-41 loss at Seattle missing their Ts, thinking of a 2004 loss to tacks at home with a depleted secondary, among others). Furthermore, there were no asterisks placed next to any of our losses when we languished with a depleted OL last year. Finally, to be honest this is the kind of performance we have grown to expect ( or at least believe the team is capable of) this sort of performance from the front since 2017. I only hope this continues the second half of the season.
2. While Fournette is having a strong rebound year and got off to a great start today, his final numbers overall were disappointing. I don't attribtue that to him, though. In too many instances, the blocking failed him. That toss inside the 5 yard line was a horrible call. They should have tried to run it down their throat. With an offense like ours, with a power back like Fournette, he shouldn't have Barry Sanderesque carries of -2, -4, 65, -3, 0. Fournette's rushes should be far more consistent: 4, 5, 3, 6, 4, 4, etc. If this team is to ascend to the postseason, the running game has to be more consistently productive, especially in short yardage or inside the red zone. BTW, kudos to LF for keeping his cool when that Jets' DB taunted him. I was not happy when they picked up that flag.
3. Kudos to Tre Herndon for getting his first two INTs of his career. He has played pretty decently since he became the starter. But he hasn't played against a WR like Hopkins yet. he will have to step up his game next week and down the stretch.
4. This is a banged up team. We need a lot of guys to get well soon. Hopefully Harrison, Lee, Westbrook, et al are okay.
5. Although that TE Griffin (?) gave me horrible flashbacks to the days where we seemed allergic to covering the TE, all things considered, I thought the LBs held up well. Now part of that is the Jets inexplicably not trying to run as much. Part of that is due to the D-Line pressuring Darnold. But when the Jets ran the ball, the LBs were there to fill the holes. That said, we need our guys healthy.
6. Surprised that Lambo missed that extra point, but good to see him return to form the rest of the day.
7. Rookie Watch:
- Josh Allen-continued his hot play, notching his first two sack game as a pro, and could have had a 3rd on the play where Smoot (also having a career year) notched a sack. Also had a forced fumble. This is the reason this board was virtually unanimous in excitement when Allen was announced as our pick.
- Jawaan Taylor-may have had his best game as a pro. I don't recall any penalties or sacks given up by him, though I have to go back and watch the game to be sure. As I think about it, he may have given up the hit that caused Minshew to lose the fumble. I would still like to see him dominate in the running game.
- Josh Oliver-Glad to finally get to type this, but he recorded his first career reception inside the 5, and held on despite a hard helmet to helmet hit. That should help make Minshew a little more confident in him. Hopefully he will continue to earn his confidence.
- Quincy Williams-DNP due to injury
- Ryquell Armstead, IIRC he had about three carries or so, the first came immediately after Fournette's 66 yard run, and the remainder late in the game after that horrible toss to Fournette.
- Gardner Minshew-Probably had his best game as a pro, decimating the Jets' secondary for 3 TDs and 0 INTs. Though he is not the fastest, he not only has the nack for the timely scramble, he again demonstrated the uncanny knack of making people miss in the phone booth, biding him that extra second to make a play. He did that on two of his TDs-the first to Conley and later on the score to Chark. He needs to protect the ball better (and for that matter he needs to be protected better by the line), but without question he is all that we could possibly ask for given his position in the draft.
- Dontavious Russell-DNP
- Wingard-Did not see him.
8. After years of startling ineptitude at the position, health aside, I am happy with where the WRs are. Chark and Conley continue to make big plays, both catching TDs today. Even Keelan Cole, who seemingly became persona non grata for many Jaguars fans over the course of the last year, contributed another TD, his second in the last two weeks.
9. Bottom line-For us to be 4-4 with our starting QB missing all but the first quarter of the first game, and our backup being a rookie 6th rounder, I am thrilled. We are very much alive for post season contention and the division title, with two games against the Colts on the horizon. There are still some areas we need to improve, most notably in the offensive line, but when both sides of the ball are playing to capability. there are few teams against which we would not be competitive. Though I had a sick feeling in my stomach after the KC game, I eagerly await the second half of the season. Credit goes to the entire organization. The FO gets kudos for bringing in guys like Allen, Minshew, Chark, Conley who are productive now. Credit is also due to the coaching staff, who has kept this team relevant in the face of much adversity, utilizing the players to maximize their productivity. Finally, to the players who have matured quickly yo be productive and who haven't quit.
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
