Big Cat Country
Yet another winnable game escapes the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team falls to 2-6.
Yeah, that one figures.
The Jacksonville Jaguars gave themselves a chance to win a game once again and once again blew it as painfully as possible, dropping at home 30-27 to the visiting Green Bay Packers.
Trevor Lawrence played hero ball down the stretch but the defense gave it away in the end. Injuries racked up late and the secondary is as susceptible as ever to a competent passing attack, especially to rookie and backup quarterbacks.
At 2-6, the season is effectively over but there were still bright moments even on dark Sundays like the one we just witnessed.
WINNERS
Evan Engram
On national tight end day, Evan Engram showed why he is among the best at his position. Engram only had four catches for 36 yards and a score, so it looks on paper like he might have had a pedestrian afternoon. It was the lone touchdown catch that stole the show as Engram jumped between three defenders to grab the game-tying score. With the injuries that have mounted in the receiving core, Engram will almost certainly be the team’s leading receiving option moving forward. His touchdown snag showed why.
Brian Thomas Jr.
Before getting banged up, Brian Thomas Jr. was at yet another show-stopping pace. The rookie ended his day with three catches for 60 yards and a score. He led the team in receiving and his five total touchdowns are tied for fourth-best in the NFL. As of Monday morning however, Thomas underwent MRIs on his chest to check on his ribs and his status as the team’s No. 1 receiver is up in the air as he could be sidelined 2-4 weeks.
Jarrian Jones
It has been well noted how poor this year’s defense is at generating turnovers. Rookie Jarrian Jones tried to change that by jumping a Packer outbreaking route near the end zone and snagging the team’s second interception of the year. As a defender, Jones allowed just two catches for 16 with his pick included. The interception stopped a scoring drive by the Packers at the 6-yard line. The Jags followed the pick up with a fumble and then a Packer score. The pick saved what could have been an early 14-0 hole, likely one far too deep for the Jags to have clawed out of.
Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence finished his day going 21-32 for 308 yards, a passing and rushing score, one pick, one fumble lost and one sack. In all, it was a workable day for the Jags especially considering what Lawrence did on his final drive. Without the services of his three top receivers (more below), Lawrence went 6-8 for 87 yards and the game-tying score to Engram. That is what you want out of the guy who is supposed to be the savior of this team. It is a shame that wins and losses are a quarterback stat when Lawrence, at least in the clutch...
