By Hays Carlyon
When I watch the Jaguars, I see more flaws than strengths.
But that doesn’t matter.
Because you are what your record says you are.
I believe that. It’s a cliché but I believe it.
The Jaguars are 7-4. That’s good, especially for a first-year and first-time coach in Liam Coen.
So, I’m not going to overly critical of a team that just went on the road and beat Arizona 27-24 in overtime. Despite the minus-four turnover margin the Jaguars suffered yesterday, thanks to four giveaways (three picks and one fumble) from quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Just enjoy it.
Be thankful.
The Jaguars are the current six-seed in the AFC playoff race. That’s astonishing progress in Year One of the Coen, James Gladstone and Tony Boselli Era.
This team won four games last season.
The unforgettable 2017 team that made the run to the AFC Championship Game lost that year in Arizona.
Sunday’s win was huge. Forget how they got it and just think about where this team stands.
They are one-game back of Indianapolis in the AFC South race with two games left to play against the Colts.
The Jaguars still play the 1-10 Tennessee Titans twice. The Colts have already swept the Titans.
In fact, this is Indianapolis’ remaining schedule: vs. Houston, at Jaguars, at Seattle, vs. San Francisco, vs. Jaguars and at Houston.
The AFC South title is right there for the Jaguars. They’ve put themselves in fantastic shape.
The Jaguars are 3-1 coming out of the bye. Remember when the Los Angeles Rams flew to Wembley Stadium, arrived 10 minutes before kickoff and roughed the Jags up 35-7? The Jaguars dropped to 4-3 that day with consecutive losses. Seattle had defeated them in Jacksonville 20-12 the week prior.
For two weeks, we all wondered if they were for real.
They’re 3-1 since.
Let’s talk about a strength.
The Jaguars are establishing the run and stopping the run. That can cover a lot of problems.
The Jaguars run game has been superb offensively and defensively. They were again on Sunday, out-gaining Arizona 134-55.
On the season, the Jaguars have run for 1,409 yards. The opponents have 922.
The Jaguars have also run for 14 touchdowns, while only giving up seven scores on the ground.
That’s winning football.
Be thankful the Jaguars own every element of the ground game.
Also be thankful for Travis Etienne, Parker Washington, Brenton Strange, Jakobi Meyers, Devin Lloyd, Dennis Gardeck and Cam Little. All had outstanding contributions in Sunday’s victory.
The Jaguars got an important road win on Sunday. It doesn’t matter how they got it. They got it without several key contributors out with injury: defensive end Travon Walker, right tackle Anton Harrison, cornerback Jourdan Lewis and receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jaguars are 7-4. It’s hard to believe with the play we’ve seen at times, but it’s true.
So be thankful.
Because if Lawrence doesn’t start taking a significant step forward soon, this won’t last long.
So soak it up.
(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X/Twitter @HaysCarlyon).
