Jackson, streaking Ravens test Jags’ retooled defense
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Jacksonville used its bye week to retool its shaky defense. The Jaguars simplified schemes and hinted at relying on “more games and stunts” to spark a listless pass rush.
The changes will be put to the test today when Jacksonville (3-7) hosts one of the NFL’S hottest teams, the Baltimore Ravens (7-3).
Dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have won four in a row, including two on the road. Baltimore’s defense has been at its best during the streak, allowing 14.5 points a game. Sacks are up, third-down conversions are down and the Ravens suddenly look like the team to beat in the AFC North.
“I think any coach, any teacher, would say the same thing: When you see your students or your players start to have success in ways that you kind of envisioned for them, it’s very rewarding,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said.
“Then again, it’s tempered in our league especially by the fact that you know you’re coming up against a great opponent the very next week that’s very capable of making everything go in the other direction at any time.”
Jacksonville, a 3 1/2-point underdog, according to Fanduel Sportsbook, hasn’t proven capable of pulling off any upsets of late. The Jaguars lost six of seven before their bye, all in familiar fashion, with either the offense sputtering in the red zone or the defense surrendering way too much.
Jacksonville’s biggest issue has been an inconsistent pass rush, with veteran Josh Allen (three sacks) and linebacker Devin Lloyd bearing the brunt of the criticism. Lloyd has been benched in each of the last two games and is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by fellow rookie Chad Muma.
“I’m obviously looking forward to it,” said Muma, a third-round draft pick out of Wyoming. “I’m ready. I’m excited. When you’re previously in college, you’re looking up to all these guys, these tremendous quarterbacks that are able to do it with their feet and their arms, and Lamar’s one of those guys.”
Jackson certainly is that, although he hasn’t thrown for more than 240 yards since Week 2 and has one rushing touchdown in his last seven games.
“You just hope to slow him down, honestly,” coach Doug Pederson said. “He definitely can beat you both running and throwing. You’ve got to win your matchups on defense, and you can’t let your eyes wander. You’ve got to be disciplined.”
Pederson indicated the defense simplified schemes.
“The guys have got to continue to work. The coaches have got to put them in a position to be successful, if that’s more games and stunts, if that’s just straight rush, whatever that is. Again, it goes back to winning your matchups. That’s something that the guys have to really focus in on. The coaches have to do a great job of putting them in a position to do that.”
Slow starts
The Jaguars are counting on a better start than they had in their previous two games. They trailed 20-0 at Kansas City in Week 10 and were down 17-0 seven days earlier the previous week against Las Vegas. They rallied in both and even beat the Raiders.
But it’s a position Jacksonville wants to avoid for a third consecutive game.
“We’ve got to be better in the first quarter,” Pederson said. “You never want to be down 17-0, especially to a team like this that’s playing well right now. It just opens up a lot of stuff for them. It’s crucial that you try to come out and score early.”