Tag: Jacksonville Jaguars news

Key things to know about Chargers’ Wild Card round opponent: Jaguars

Here are some key things to know about the Los Angeles Chargers’ opponent ahead of the Wild Card round matchup.

The Chargers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and they’re set to face the Jaguars, under the lights, on Saturday night.

To preview the matchup, here are some key things to know about Jacksonville.

Talk about a turnaround

The Jaguars were a combined 4-29 the previous two seasons. They’ve finished in last place in the AFC South for four straight seasons before this one. They were 3-8 with five consecutive losses at one point this season. Entering this contest, Jacksonville is on a five-game winning streak.

Made the leap

The first time the Chargers and Jaguars faced each other in Week 3, Trevor Lawrence was lights out, completing 28-of-39 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. As the season progressed and Lawrence got more acclimated to Doug Pederson’s system, he continued to grow as a passer. Lawrence finished the regular season, completing 66.3% of his passes for 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Pederson’s pieces

Aside from Lawrence, the Jaguars have a slew of weapons contributing to their top-10 offense. Travis Etienne Jr. has 1,125 rushing yards and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Christian Kirk has 1,108 receiving yards to go with five touchdowns. Zay Jones, Evan Engram and Marvin Jones Jr. have over 500 receiving yards, and they’re averaging at least 10 yards per reception.

Uneven defense

The Jaguars’ defense has struggled against opposing quarterbacks. They are 30th in passing defense DVOA. They’re 28th in passing yards allowed per game (238.5), and they have the sixth-fewest sacks (34). Where Jacksonville is stronger, however, is defending the run – 11th in rush defense DVOA. They have allowed the fifth-lowest yards per carry (4.2) and are 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (114.8).

Other notes

  • The Jaguars are 20th in red zone offense and 24th in red zone defense.
  • The Jaguars have the ninth-best third-down offense and fourth-worst third-down defense.
  • The Jaguars are top 10 in pass-blocking efficiency and allow the eighth fewest sacks (19).
  • Foye Oluokun is the league leader in total tackles (184).
  • Josh Allen and Arden Key have 68 and 44 pressures, respectively.
  • The Jaguars are tied for sixth with the Chargers in turnover differential (+5).

NFL Playoffs: Date, time set for Chargers vs. Jaguars

The stage is set.

The NFL announced the full schedule for Super Wild Card weekend.

The Chargers will travel to take on the Jaguars next Saturday, Jan 14, at 5:15 pm PT.

The game will be televised on NBC.

Los Angeles and Jacksonville played in Week 3 of the regular season, and the Jaguars beat the Bolts, 38-10.

In that game, Justin Herbert was a week removed from his fractured rib cartilage. Keenan Allen did not play. In addition, the team lost Rashawn Slater and Joey Bosa to their respective injuries.

The Jaguars won their final five games after a 2-6 start to capture the division title over the two-time defending AFC South champion Titans.

Former Georgia CBs impressing in rookie NFL seasons

Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell are making moves in the NFL

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=none image=https://ugawire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Georgia football infamously lost eight defensive backs last year to transfers and the NFL draft.

Among those drafted were cornerbacks Eric Stokes (Packers) and Tyson Campbell (Jaguars), the Bulldogs starting corners for the 2020 season.

Stokes, who was drafted with the No. 29 overall pick, was given a large role in Green Bay’s offense from the jump, and he’s been more impressive each week.

The Covington, Ga., native was responsible for the Packer’s last defensive play in a win over the Ravens on Sunday.

Stokes has allowed just 55 total yards over his last 21 targets and it’s been five weeks since he’s allowed a catch beyond eight yards.

  • Stokes 2021 stats: 13 games, 47 tackles, one interception, 13 pass breakups.

Meanwhile, Campbell has been making moves of his own.

The 2020 No. 33 overall pick just nabbed his second interception of the year on Sunday versus the Texans.

Campbell has allowed less than 35 yards in coverage the last six weeks.

  • Campbell’s 2021 stats: 12 games, 54 tackles, two interceptions, nine pass breakups

 

Twitter reacts after Urban Meyer is named Jacksonville Jaguars head coach

The Jacksonville Jaguars hired former Florida and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer as Jaguars head coach on Thursday. Twitter reacts here.

In a surprising move, the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars hired former Florida and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer as Jaguars head coach on Thursday.

Instead of looking to the League to fill its coaching vacancy, Jacksonville turned to Meyer, 56, who has been in retirement for two years after a six-year stent at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to three Big Ten titles and the 2015 National Championship.

DawgNation remembers Meyer most for his five years spent at Florida where he led the Gators to two SEC Championships and two national titles (2006, 2008).

What makes the Jaguars hire so surprising, other than the fact Meyer has no NFL experience and has been retired for two years, is that Meyer retired for health reasons in 2009 while at Florida and did the same a second time in 2018 while at Ohio State.

I suppose he has been eating his Wheaties during his time off.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news:

 

Los Angeles Rams add former Georgia All-American to practice squad

The Los Angeles Rams have signed former Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed to their practice squad

The Los Angeles Rams have signed former Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed to their practice squad. Reed was a first team Walter Camp All-American last season for the University of Georgia.

Reed went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, despite his impressive accolades. He originally signed an undrafted deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they cut him before the season.

Now, Reed will be reunited with former UGA defensive back Tyrique McGhee on the Los Angeles practice squad. Reed has the instincts and skill to compete in the NFL, but his physical traits have been questioned.

For Los Angeles Rams fans who are unfamiliar with J.R. Reed, they should know that they are landing a playmaker. Reed forced seven total turnovers in three seasons with Georgia. He racked up 199 tackles during this time. He’s a veteran, who played in 42 games throughout his decorated college career.

Sep 30, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Tyrique McGhee (26) and J.R. Reed (20) and Lorenzo Carter (7) reach to tackle Tennessee Volunteers running back John Kelly (4) in the second half at Neyland Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 41-0. Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams announced the signing of J.R. Reed via their official Twitter account.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Jacksonville Jaguars sign former Georgia WR

A former Georgia Bulldog has a not-so-new home in the pros.

Former Georgia Bulldog Terry Godwin has a not-so-new home in the pros.

Godwin was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of last year’s NFL Draft but was among the final roster cuts prior to the beginning of 2019 season. He was quickly signed by the Jaguars, uniting in Jacksonville with fellow former Bulldog receiver Chris Conley.

The 2019 draftee wasn’t able to break into the team’s 53-man roster and spent fourteen weeks on the Jags’ practice squad. Godwin’s season ended in late December due to a minor injury.

His contract with Jacksonville expired three weeks later.

Following a recovery, the second-most famous T.G. in recent Georgia football history has re-signed with the Jaguars as a free agent.

In his four years at the University of Georgia, Terry Godwin caught 134 passes totaling to an even 1,800 yards and resulting 11 touchdown receptions, including his famed one-handed score at Notre Dame in a mutchup that resulted in a one-point Bulldog victory.

Godwin has yet to see regular season action in the NFL. His original rookie contract awarded him $2.6M over four years.