Moeller: WIth Loss To Rams, Coen's and Jags' Honeymoon Period is Over

Photo Courtesy LA Rams

By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire

For Liam Coen, the honeymoon is officially over.

It appeared to end prematurely last week when the Jaguars overall looked flat on a home loss to the Seahawks, who most of the football world didn’t take seriously despite having Sam Darnold and their 4-1 record. 

Yet, there was redemption ahead in a trip to London despite playing the 4-2 Rams.

This time around, though, London wasn’t calling for them. Instead, they suffered another clunker in a 35-7 loss that wasn’t even as close as that. The 35 points were the most allowed by new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s unit that once led the league in takeaways.

Now, Coen has to deal with his first problem. If the Jags had a reality check last week against the Seahawks, this was a real awakening against the Rams.

The Jags’ offense that hasn’t  been hitting on all cylinders, but still  getting some good mileage, needs a tuneup. That issue centered around Trevor Lawrence, whose relatively decent numbers were overshadowed by his timing.

Jacksonville’s defense through their five games provided cover for Lawrence, but his lack of steady rhythm that once quietly plagued him has become more apparent the past two games.

Travis Etienne has looked more like he did over the past two seasons rather than the breakout back he was for the first five weeks, as he had to work for his 44 yards against the Rams.

Along with Coen, it will also be a check for Campanile, who will have to make his share of corrections and adjustments after the past two games. The Rams’ Matthew Stafford looked like his once vintage self, hitting 10 different receivers without star wideout Puka Nacua.

They also have to address the recent rash of penalties and sacks in the past two weeks. 

Against the Seahawks, the Jags had 10 penalties and allowed seven sacks, and against the Rams, they had 13 flags and also seven sacks. Lawrence was sacked six times in the first five weeks.

As anyone can see, there are issues, and the Jags may have reached an early crossroads.

Fortunately, there may be a silver lining - it’s called the bye week. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Coen, Campanile and company have some time to regroup and retool. Looking around, they have to.

The Colts convincingly defused the Chargers, and Daniel Jones hasn’t fizzled as once anticipated. Instead, he and his teammates are 6-1 and comfortably resting atop the AFC South.

Five weeks into the season, the Jags were 4-1 and talk of winning the division was pretty common.

Now, they are suddenly fighting for their presumed postseason lives.

Yes, the honeymoon is over, and it’s time to get to the day-to-day grind.

It will begin in Las Vegas in two weeks.