Early to Mid December, cold (for Jacksonville), and a meaningful game. I still smile thinking about that in relation to the Jaguars. Though the players like Ramsey bristled at the idea this was some sort of statement game, the fact is this would help change some perceptions of the Jaguars around the country, and here, to some extent.
My thoughts:
1. Bortles had an amazing game! Even though two of the members from the "Legion of Boom" secondary did not play, the fact is, the Seahawks are still a respectable defense (at least from a talent/performance perspective). But reputations notwithstanding, Bortles shredded the Hawks. His throws were mostly on target, with his passes to Coles and Westbrook for TDs being things of beauty, showing medium and deep range touch, accuracy and good decision making. This is the level of play the team and fans have hope for from him. If he continues to play at this level or better, the sky is the limit for this team!
2. Even though the secondary gave up some huge plays in the second half, CBs A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey were not among the guilty parties. To the Contrary, they were exemplary today, recording three INTs between them, and surrendering little, if any yards to anyone they covered.
3. Given what transpired in losses to the Jets and Cards, and the win over the Chargers, there was a case to be made that the Jaguars did not know how to perform in clutch situations. However, today, the Jaguars made the counterargument to that indictment with key performances in all three phases of the game. Bortles had key late completions late, especially the fade to Westbrook that flipped the field and gave the Jaguars a key first down. Of course, Fournette's run converted a 3rd and 11 and effectively iced the game for the Jaguars. Defensively, Malik Jackson had a crucial 3rd down sack of Russell Wilson making 4th down much more difficult, and Colvin tripped, and wisely held the slot receiver. Fortunately it wasn't called, and the game was over. On special teams, besides Mickens coming up huge with a punt return down to the one, Lambo hit a key 51 year old FG. Performing well in the clutch is something teams need to learn how to do in becoming winners. It seems that is another box this team has checked off.
4. I have to admit, I didn't think Omameh was a particularly physical presence inside the O-Line. To the extent I have pondered this coming off season (hey old habits die hard), I figured G would be a position we could stand to upgrade. However, his return to health and the starting lineup seems to have made a difference in the running game. We were able to move the ball well on the ground today, and I think that helped Bortles tremendously. In fact, I'd say this was the best our OL as a whole has performed in a while. I sure hope they keep this up.
5. I referenced Colvin's hold of the Seattle slot receiver on that 4th down play late, and Haks fans are going to be butt hurt over that call. But they shouldn't complain too much, because our defensive linemen were getting repeatedly held and the refs wouldn't call it. Of the one holding call I counted that went against Seattle, there were several other instances where the refs swallowed their whistles.
6. On the whole, special teams were amazing. Going into the game, I was terrified of Tyler Lockett, but the team effectively neutralized him. It was unfortunate that the reverse on the return was negated by penalty, but the near TD by Mickens later made up for it. Lambo was perfect on his kicks. Nortman did not punt often, but he seemed to pin Seattle deep. The one minus against the Special teams' was Grant's fumble on the kickoff that led to the Seattle TD that tied the game at 10.
7. Rookie Watch:
- Leonard Fournette, eclipsed 100 yards rushing in this game, scored a TD, and had the clutch 3rd and 11 conversion late to seal the win. Would have had more yards had he not stumbled on what would have been a long run.
- Cam Robinson-had a couple of false starts, but otherwise had his best game in ages. Seemed absolutely livid during the late brawls.
- Dawaune Smoot-Had an early pressure of Wilson, and was in on a tackle later.
- DeDe Westbrook-had a very good game today, with a TD and the late catch of the fade from Bortles down the right sideline.
- Blair Brown-Started in place of the injured Telvin Smith. had a sack/intentional grounding on Russell Wilson
- Keelan Cole-showed the deep speed explosiveness he displayed in the preseason in scoring the deep TD.
8. Normally I do not discuss the opponents in this post, but I have to offer laurels and darts. Laurels to Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. His 3 INTs hurt the 'hawks, but when he's on, he seems impossible to stop. Under some circumstances, I might be concerned that he has found a weakness in our scheme that other QBs might exploit, but I rest easy knowing not many QBs are Russell Wilson. By all accounts, Seattle should have been blown out. They only made it close because of Wilson. However, darts to Michael Bennett and the Seahawks defense. It seems Seattle's defense makes it a habit of starting fights after losing big games. They did it in the SB loss to the Patriots, and they did it here. DE Michael Bennett went knee hunting after Linder on a kneel down to kill the clock, starting a brouhaha that involved Fournette. The next play, the skirmish continued with a Seahawks DT getting tossed from the game. As he left the game, a fan threw something at him and he tried to go into the stands to go after the fan. I do not condone the fans throwing things in the field, but the Seahawks can't go out like that after a loss.
9. I have to give kudos to Marrone and Hackett for the offensive playcalling. The play call in response to Seattle tying the game was excellent, enabling the Jaguars to stop Seattle's momentum in its tracks.
10. Bottom line-We now officially have the team's first winning season since 2007. Thanks to the Cardinals, our loss to them was not a complete disaster because they turned around and beat the Tacks. Now we are a game up and in sole possession of first place in the division with three games remaining, with us having winnable games against Houston and at San Francisco before we travel to Tennessee, while the tacks have a tough, game right before us when they host the Rams on Christmas eve. The Rams are battling for playoff position, too. It's entirely possible we can have the division wrapped up before we play the tacks on week 17. I'm starting to smell that division title. It smells good and it's making me hungry. Hopefully the team stays hungry and focused on beating Houston and takes care of business these next three weeks.
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
