Moeller: Jaguars' Latest Victory Should Gain Them More Respect
Jaguars’ edge rusher and team leader Josh Hines-Allen could have stated the perceived state of the team .
"League-wise, I think to them, we're still the Jags," said Allen. "They're just waiting for us to slip up.”
Even with the Jags apparently in command at halftime with a 28-10, you still had the feeling whether you were at EverBank Stadium or you watched at home.
When the Colts kicked a field goal on the opening drive of the second drive and the Jaguars had a bad three-and-out, your stomach started churning.
The thought of the blown 19-point lead against the Texans four weeks ago still was stuck in many of our heads.
Don't worry. These Jaguars apparently have chased away their demons and haunts from their pretender past
As late Mets’ reliever Tug McGraw said in their run to the World Series, “You gotta believe. “
They have won four straight and still atop the AFC South and have the current third playoff seed.
With the Jags ahead 28-13 near midfield on a fourth and one, they decided to go for it, employing their own “tush push” with Trevor Lawrence getting the first down.
It was another one of head coach Liam Coen’s gutsy moves, and that sealed the game and corralled the Colts in a 36-19 victory that wasn’t that close.
Don’t fear, this is a solid playoff team with the last-game gaffs behind them.
Lawrence again his game, mixing his passes well and completing 17 of 30 for 244 yards with a pair of touchdowns. He looks as good or even better than he did in 2022.
Brian Thomas Jr. has another good game, and Jakobi Meyers looks like a number one receiver. And how about the emergence of Tim Patrick? He has developed into a viable option, and Patrick's play has alleviated any fears of losing recently injured Parker Washington for a period.
Coen established the running game behind Travis Etienne, who scored twice. That will be pivotal down the stretch, and the Jags can’t abandon it.
Defensively, the unit certainly got a lift with the return of Greg Newsome, Eric Murray, and Jourdan Lewis in the secondary. Overall, they played with energy and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile made the necessary adjustments.
With all three phases of their game in tune, the Jags should have the respect of the league.
They could have had some breathing room at the top of the division if Houston lost at Kansas City Sunday night, but the Texans are still in their rearview mirror.
Jacksonville will host the hapless Jets Sunday and should put them away early. A trip to Denver in two weeks will be another character test. Besides Denver, there should be little left with a trip to Indianapolis without Daniel Jones, and a home and season finale against Tennessee.
At 9-4 and a third seed in the playoffs, the Jags have earned the respect of the league and not just thought of as an also- ran.
Like his team, Hines-Allen has elevated his game. He and the Jaguars won’t have any more slipups as they head to their third AFC South title.
You gotta believe.
