Moeller: Jaguars Take Another Step Toward AFC Elite with Rout of Patriots
The Jaguars are back.
They desperately needed a convincing win and they put one together against the Patriots.
Their 35-6 win was a complete one in many ways.
After a bad second half in Denver last week, Jacksonville proved to themselves and their fans that they are legitimate AFC South contenders and can be among the AFC elite.
The Jags looked as good and probably better as they did in their home opener thumping of Cleveland two weeks ago.
They had a dominant showing on both sides of the ball against a reeling Patriots’ team that again showed that last year’s Super Bowl run was truly sparked by a soft schedule. Pats’ quarterback Drake Maye proved he can run the ball effectively, but he still needs some fine tuning as a passer with his subpar 14 of 25, 199-yard, two-interception day.
In some ways, Maye has mirrored Trevor Lawrence in his early years, but Lawrence had a breakout season in his second year after a lackluster rookie season.
Lawrence did enough in Sunday’s win with his 18 0f 29, 182-yard three touchdown, one interception showing, and he probably could have done more.
In the first half, Lawrence was dialed in with his 11 of 13 for 70 yards and two TD passes for a 14-3 advantage that was bigger than the score. The Jags had done enough damage, and the game was basically over. New England couldn’t get out of its own way.
Jakobi Meyers looked like Lawrence’s primary target against like he was in the second half of the season last year.
Aside from Lawrence, there were plenty of accolades to go around.
Jarrian Jones and Travis Hunter had timely interceptions, and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s defense bent a little and never broke.
It was the kind of game where you could have left the Bank in the third quarter, or you could have flipped the channel at home to watch another game.
Overall, the Jags have been rather impressive in their first three games, and they easily could be 3-0.
What was more impressive was an apparent balanced attack with Bhayshul Tuten’s 73 yards and Chris Rodriguez’s 37 along with Lawence’s 25 to help accumulate 173. It wasn’t 200 yards, but it did make a difference.
Rookie receiver Josh Cameron made a splash during spring training, and he continues to make his mark. He was the recipient of Lawrence’s first touchdown and also showcased his value with two big returns.
It was a near perfect day on a picture-perfect day.
The Jags also are in the driver’s seat for the division with Houston winless, Indianapolis mediocre, and Tennessee hapless.
They certainly have all the early signs to record another double-digit regular season. With more wins, expectations will meteorically rise, and they’ll be mentioned in the same sentence with Denver, Buffalo, and Kansas City.
A trip to Cincinnati is ahead, and the Bengals lost a bruising-battle in Pittsburgh last week. Yet, quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns.
But the Jags are back. They just have to continue to prove it.
