The Jacksonville Jaguars fell to the Denver Broncos Sunday by a score of 23-13, and though they didn’t win, they at least looked better than they did Week 1. One player who didn’t improve, however, is kicker Josh Lambo, who has yet to hit his first field goal of the 2021 regular season and added two missed attempts (from ranges of 38 and 45) to the one he had against the Houston Texans.
Of course, with the veteran leaving six points on the board, he was one of the main topics when it came to Urban Meyer’s pregame press conference. And while he did admit that there was concern for Lambo, he let it be known that he wouldn’t give up on the veteran as his work ethic has proven to be second to none.
“Well, concern, but I made a comment that the one thing I admire about him, first of all he’s had a very good career, and he works his tail off,” Meyer said. “I’m not giving up on Josh Lambo. If he didn’t work hard, wasn’t a professional about everything he does, yeah, I’d have a problem with him, but he’s missing some kicks, and as a professional he’s got to make those kicks. I have confidence he will.”
During training camp, Meyer tested Lambo by putting him in a kicking competition against former kicker Aldrick Rosas, but eventually cut Rosas, which made Lambo the winner. In their last preseason game, Meyer told the media he has a lot of respect for Lambo, which explains his current stance on Lambo and unwillingness to give up on him.
“That’s as serious a kicker as I’ve been around… I’m pulling for him hard,” Meyer said last month. “When he follows through and hits that thing, he’s outstanding.”
Despite his faith in Lambo, Meyer didn’t rule out bringing in some competition. If the Jags do, it’s worth noting the Jags have a practice squad spot available after cutting running back Duke Johnson.
“I’m not sure [if we will sign a kicker] yet,” Meyer said. “It’s just all fresh. We just lost the game. I know he’ll be out there working again. I don’t know what the plan is as far as bringing someone else in.”
The Jags already have a lot to clean up heading forward with their young players, and they really can’t afford for their veterans to be adding to their problems, too. But if Lambo turns things around from this point heading forward, it would certainly make Meyer look like a genius in what has been a tough season.