By Jeff Moeller
JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) - Call it fate. Call it karma.
However, you also have to take advantage of opportunities.
There is something about this Jaguars team that had a 24-0 shutout over AFC South rival Indianapolis last week at TIAA Field.
The thoughts are running rampant that the Jags could capture the division title.
The Jags excelled in all three phases of the game, and proved to themselves that they can be a productive team. They did take advantage of an out-of-sync Colts, who never truly got on track and out of their own way.
That’s what good teams do. The Jags did it..can they have an encore?
Yes, one big win does not a contender make. This team could still finish with four wins.
Yet, a trip to Los Angeles to play the Chargers Sunday afternoon can bring them around the bend a little further.
This one is about opportunity.
Chargers’ stud quarterback Justin Herbert was still very questionable to line up under center because of bruised ribs. Ditto for wide receiver Keenan Allen, and tight end Donald Parham, both of them dealing with hamstring issues.
The Chargers’ line is a unit riddled with nagging injuries, and there is concern whether they will be intact for the 4:05 kickoff.
The key for the Jags Sunday will be their ability to run the ball behind James Robinson and Travis Eitenne. They combined for 84 yards against Indy, but more importantly, Robinson proved he can be a workhorse once again.
A running game has to be effective to negate the edge rush attack from Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Along with Robinson and Etienne, tackles Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor will need to be on their game. The Jags’ O-Line allowed only one sack last week.
Trevor Lawrence had a stellar outing last week and played with poise and confidence. There wasn’t any hesitation in his delivery, and he carefully calculated his moves in a 23-for-32, 235- yard, one TD performance.
The Jags’ defense did their part with their aggressive play that limited the Colts to 249 yards of total offense.
Head coach Doug Pederson already has proved that he can be a difference.
It can all add up to a productive afternoon in Los Angeles. Early Sunday evening, we will know if the Jaguars have fate and karma on their side, or will they fall back into their inadequacies.
This one will be a golden opportunity.