Even with back-to-back games against a pair of the worst teams in the AFC, the Jags still couldn’t get back in the win column. This week’s loss to the New York Jets was closer than the 14-point home loss to the Houston Texans last week, and Jacksonville had multiple opportunities to win it (or at least send it to overtime) at the end.
But instead, the Jaguars lost 26-21 to move to 2-13 on the season and lock up a top-two pick in the 2022 NFL draft. They’re currently in position to pick first overall, and with games against likely playoff teams coming up in the New England Patriots and Indianapolis, that positioning is unlikely to change.
Between injuries and COVID-19, the Jags were shorthanded on Sunday (though not as much as the Jets were). As a result, a number of players saw more playing time than they normally would. With that in mind, here’s how the snap counts broke down in Week 16.
Offense
Analysis
- Will Richardson got the start at right guard with Ben Bartch out on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and he held his own as Trevor Lawrence was sacked just once. He also scored a touchdown when he recovered a fumble from Lawrence in the end zone. He was the only offensive lineman that didn’t play every snap, though, with K.C. McDermott also seeing a few snaps.
- Without Laviska Shenault Jr., Tavon Austin saw a bigger role than normal and was on the field for the majority of the snaps and saw the third-most after Laquon Treadwell and Marvin Jones. He was second on the team in receiving with six catches for 68 yards, and he also had 21 yards on the ground.
- It was a split effort from the tight ends, with each seeing similar playing time. James O’Shaughnessy and Jacob Hollister had four catches for 49 yards and two catches for 20 yards, respectively. Chris Manhertz was used as a blocker, per usual, and he wasn’t targeted.
- James Robinson suffered a torn Achilles in the first game of this one, and that opened the door for the most snaps Dare Ogunbowale has seen this season. He took a season-high 17 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown, playing decently well in Robinson’s absence.
Defense
Analysis
- Though he rotated with Nevin Lawson for a few snaps, it was another good game for Tyson Campbell. The rookie cornerback tied for the team lead in tackles with seven, and he made a stop on a fake field goal from the Jets in the red zone.
- As stated by interim coach Darrell Bevell, the Jags rotated Andre Cisco and Daniel Thomas this week as the secondary was down one safety in Rayshawn Jenkins (on injured reserve). Cisco got the nod to start, and though he was solid with four tackles and a pass breakup, Thomas saw slightly more snaps and was more productive, totaling six tackles to finish third on the team.
- Myles Jack was also on the Reserve/COVID-19 list as a late addition on Sunday morning, and that meant Chapelle Russell got the start at middle linebacker. It was an impressive showing for him, as he tied with Campbell for the team lead in tackles. Shaquille Quarterman also saw some reps, and he made four tackles (including a goal-line stop).
- Josh Allen joined Jack on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, giving second-year player K’Lavon Chaisson the start. However, he didn’t really take advantage of the opportunity, totaling just two tackles before leaving the game late with an ankle injury. Jihad Ward saw more time at edge rusher, and he was more productive as he totaled five tackles and the team’s only sack.
- DaVon Hamilton continues to outproduce his playing time. Though he’s a starter that is involved with a rotation, he tied Ward and Andrew Wingard with five total tackles.