The Jacksonville Jaguars are sitting at 1-1, leading the AFC South, but don’t let that record fool you: they could easily be 2-0 if not for a brutal breakdown. A critical Trevor Lawrence interception in Week 2 flipped a 13-3 lead midway through the third quarter into a crushing 20-13 defeat against the Denver Broncos. Talk about a gut punch.
Jags’ Offense Is Cooking, But Turnovers Are The Fly In The Ointment
This Jaguars offense has been legit efficient so far, whether they are running it or throwing it. They are rocking the league with a 0.121 Offensive EPA per play, which is sixth best in the NFL, and their EPA per dropback is eighth at 0.227. That’s serious production from Lawrence slinging it to guys like Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Brian Thomas Jr., or handing off to Bhayshul Tuten. Their 23.5 points per game ranks 15th, and they’re moving the ball with 314 yards per game. The big men up front, Anton Harrison and Cole Van Lanen, are doing their job.
Here’s the kicker, though: despite all that offensive firepower, they blew that 10-point lead against the Broncos. They’ve only given away the ball once, which is tied for third best in the league, but that one Trevor Lawrence pick was a killer. It highlights how even one costly mistake can completely derail what otherwise looks like a balanced, dangerous unit. Meanwhile, the Patriots are struggling big time on offense, only putting up 15.0 points per game, ranking 26th. If Jacksonville’s offense plays clean, they should exploit that.
Defense Is Disruptive, Setting Up A Week 3 Showdown
While the offense has been flashing, the Jaguars’ defense is no slouch either. They’ve grabbed three takeaways already, tied for seventh in the league, helping them to a +2 turnover differential, which is tied for fifth overall. Their 15.0 points allowed per game is sixth best, even if their 332 yards allowed per game ranks 18th. Guys like Brenton Strange and Nate Boerkircher on offense and strong defensive plays from the whole unit are making a difference.
The defense’s performance has been solid, but it hasn’t quite reached the elite level of their offense when it’s humming. Still, they are going to be a huge challenge for a Patriots team that has struggled to find any offensive consistency this year. The Patriots’ offense is ranked 26th in points per game and 23rd in Offensive EPA per play. This Week 3 matchup is in Florida, and the Jaguars, fresh off that 20-13 loss to Denver after starting strong with a 34-10 win over the Browns, need to prove they can close out games. Both teams are 1-1, and this game is massive for whoever wants to lead the AFC South early on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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