Jags allowing fewest sacks in history
JACKSONVILLE — At no point in their franchise history have the Jaguars protected their quarterback better than what they’ve done so far after the first three weeks into the season.
In two of their first three games, the Jaguars have not allowed Blake Bortles to be sacked.
Elite pass rushers like Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs both tried and failed.
And this past Sunday in London, the Ravens — who entered the game after posting eight sacks — left without registering any against Jacksonville just like the Houston Texans in Week 1.
The Jaguars’ two sacks are the fewest they have allowed in franchise history since giving up three after the first three games during both the 2006 and 2002 seasons.
Jacksonville’s two sacks, a total matched by Tennessee, are the fewest allowed in the NFL going into Week 4.
“We’re just trying to go to work and take care of business every week,” offensive guard A.J. Cann said.
“The last thing we want to do is give up a sack, but as far as the stat and where we rank. that’s the last thing on our mind right now. Our balance has helped in the way we’ve ran the ball and then we step back to pass and they don’t expect it. As long as we keep that balance going, it’s pretty sure it’s going to help us out on passing downs.”
Last season the Jaguars already had allowed nine sacks after the first three games, which included giving up four to Baltimore during a 19-17 loss in Week 3.
In 2014, the Jaguars’ pass protection was much worse.
They allowed 17 sacks in three games to start the season.
But improvement has been clearly evident and the Jaguars’ pass protection success is not only attributed to their surprisingly solid offensive line play.
Running backs Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory have provided adequate protection help, too, along with tight end Marcedes Lewis, who caught three touchdown passes against the Ravens but also made some key blocks.
Unlike previous seasons, Bortles has been able to avoid trouble because of his ability to scramble and complete throws in a hurry.
“I think for this team what we’ve seen is obviously it starts up front,” coach Doug Marrone said. “They’ve done a good job up front. Actually before it even starts, identification and communication is obviously extremely important. Good job up front.
“Good job by the tight ends when they are involved in protection. Also, the receivers, that’s big too. The faster you can get open, the faster you can get in the hole, the faster the quarterback can get to you.
“There’s so many things that go into it that if we’re successful is truly all those reasons. It’s not necessarily one part of it, but obviously the line plays a little bit more of a part because there’s five of them.”
Bortles has been sacked two or fewer times in six consecutive games, which dates to last season.
Without giving up many sacks, the Jaguars are the fourth highest-scoring offense in the NFL averaging 29.7 points a game that was obviously boosted by their 37-point victory against the Ravens.