This was a game I was looking forward to because it was the first matchup between TL and Wilson. Even though the game was meaningless in terms of playoff relevance, it was a game I wanted to win.
My thoughts
1. Although it wasn't quite as embarrassing a performance as the 4th and 21 or so given up to the Raiders' punter back during the Gud Bradley era, I thought the run defense's performance was nothing to be proud of, that's for damn sure. For Zach Wilson to have a freaking 53 yard TD run was embarrassing. What the hell was Rudy Ford doing?!? Wilson also made Smoot look foolish on another run with a pump fake. Compounding things, the Jaguars allowed th jets RB to rush for over 100 yards. I understand two Jaguars' LBs were out, but the Jets were missing some receivers and offensive linemen. There was no reason to give up that much on the ground to the Jets...or anyone. Isn't that why we signed all of the tackles this past offseason?!? Then to top it off, they let an offensive linemn get wide [BLEEP] open and score a TD.
2. Not to be outdone in the embarrassment department, the special teams allowed another kickoff return for a TD in back to back weeks. It's the 4th TD they have given up this year. Special teams was supposed to be a source of pride under Urban Meyer. This just illustrates how complete his failure was/is. The fake punt to start the game does not offset the ineptitude of the kick coverage teams.
3. Sucks to see what happened with James Robinson. Because it happened so late in the year, I could see him missing the first part of next year if it is a torn achilles. Actually, I'm wondering what kind of turf they had up there. Was it the same they had in New Orleans this preseason? Etienne hurt his Lisfranc on a no contact type injury. Thing is, an achilles is one of those injuries that can ruin a guy's career. I hope he fully recovers.
4. I cannot recall a defender so completely unable to make a play as K'Lavon chaisson. it seems like his entire career, the few times he has been in position to make a potential game changing play, he has come up empty almost every time. I don't know if "unclutch" is a word, but if it is, it would seem to fit Chaisson. Though there is an argument to be made for trading down in the draft, I would not complain if we wound up with Hutchinson or Thibodeaux in the draft so we can replace Chaisson ASAP.
5. I thought this was the best game by the receivers in a long time. Aside from Marvin Jones, I saw no egregious drops of any passes. Make no mistake...the position is still, to quote Marsellus Wallace "pretty [BLEEP] far from okay." But the play from the WRs was almost encouraging today.
6. What in the hell was that handoff in that last two minute drill?!? Awful playcall.
7. Rookie Watch
A. Trevor Lawrence-Statistically had a pretty good game. Didn't throw any TDs, but no INTs either. He showed he can do the job effectively when he gets protection. His roll out throw to Tayvon Austin was one of those jaw dropping plays that shows what scouts saw in him to make him the first overall pick. He looked very good on that final drive, getting the team in position to win the game. Could he have run another play instead of spiking the ball? He deserves criticism in a couple of areas. First, he had two fumbles. Fortunately, one got recovered in the end zone by Will Richardson for a TD. Equally fortunate, his second fumble, which was recovered by the Jets deep in his own territory, wasn't returned for a TD or later converted into any points. The second point of criticism is his penchant to reverse field and scramble to the left when avoiding pressure. Granted, he shouldn't have so much pressure from that side in the first place, but very little good has happened when he's done that. It reeks of a rookie playing hero ball and it led to the second fumble. Part of his maturing process will be him learning to either eat the ball or get rid of it more quickly.
B. Travis Etienne-DNP. On IR
C. Tyson Campbell-Continued his solid play.
D. Walker Little-Got some playing time in short yardage situations as an extra blocker/TE.
E. Andre Cisco-seemed to get his first extensive play of the season, and took advantage of his opportunity. He made a break on a Wilson pass and almost came up with an INT. Also made a couple of really nice tackles, and blocked an extra point. His play was good enough to make Jaguars scream the question we've been asking all year: "Why not play Andre Cisco?"
F. Jay Tufele-Saw him play, but did not see him make any impact.
G. Jordan Smith-to my knowledge DNP.
H. Luke Farrell-to my knowledge DNP.
8. With this loss today and the wholly unexpected Texans win, I think we pretty much have a stranglehold on a top two pick because both the Texans and Jets are two games better than we are and we have our remaining games against the Patriots and Colts.
9. Bottom line: This game showed what can happen if TL gets time. But he still needs new coaches and a better surrounding cast. That better surrounding cast isn't going to come unless Baalke is replaced. This team is a long long long way off.
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!