Moeller: Gritty Jaguars Find Another Way to Win Toward AFC South Title
By Jeff Moeller/Florida Sports Wire
This one was about grit and character.
Looking at the Jaguars this season, we’ve seen talent, anxiety, dominance, deterioration among other factors. It has been a panoramic view from the start to their current seven-game winning streak that has produced a franchise-tying 12 wins.
The Jags had to gut it out and pulled it out against 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who throws the ball like a sidearmed reliever, in a nerve-wracking 23-17 victory. They were missing starters guard Patrick Mekari, center Robert Hainsey and running back Bhayshul Tuten.
Jacksonville dominated in nearly every offensive category, outgaining the Colts, 370-204.
They couldn’t afford to let this one slip away, and they didn’t implode like they have on occasions in the past. They now work past it.
A redzone fumble on a trick play and Trevor Lawrence’s ill-advised pass attempt to Parker Washington that turned into an interception kept the Colts early in the game and reignited some anxiety from the past.
Still, the Jags never backed down on both sides of the ball - especially the defense - and grinded out the victory like elite teams do.
More importantly, the Jags are getting contributions from numerous players, forming a true team effort.
To watch Lawrence find lanes to scramble effectively instead of forcing the ball into a receiver has been a plus. He spotted the lanes and ran for a pair of scores. As a sign of his maturity, Lawrence has run for a career-high 348 yards this season.
Offensively, they answered every time Indianapolis took the lead and relied on Cam Little’s long-range foot for three field goals to close out the scoring.
Speaking of Washington, though, he has been quietly piecing together a banner season. He tied his career game-high in catches with eight grabs against Indy for 115 yards.
Washington leads the team with 53 receptions for 760 yards, and he is part of an effective receiving quartet along with Brian Thomas, Brenton Strange, and steady target Jakobi Meyers. Lineman Ezra Cleveland and Cole Van Lauren have played well lately.
Defensively, they made the key stops in a slight bend, but not break style. They held Jonathan Taylor to 70 yards and kept their number one rush defense intact. Second -year corner Jarrian Jones continues to develop and had a key pick late in the game.
Three years ago, the Jags clinched their last AFC South title against Tennessee, 20-16, on a Saturday night at the Bank.
This time around, their path to a title has been much smoother. They will host the Titans Sunday afternoon at the Bank in what should be an electric atmosphere filled with plenty of playoff hype.
Head coach Liam Coen has watched his team come full circle. He is aware they are prime for any battle after having been battle-tested through their first 16 games with only four setbacks..
“That’s the warrior mentality we’ve been talking about for quite some time,” said Coen Monday about his team’s play. “Getting the job done regardless. That’s what I’m proud of. No excuses. No flinch. No blink. Just keep competing. … I thought it was a gritty win for our guys.”
Yes, it was another way the Jags found to win.
