Coming into Week 14, the Jacksonville Jaguars had lost three of their last four games by over 20 points, and that continued this Sunday. In fact, they suffered their biggest loss of the season and fell to the Los Angeles Chargers by a score of 45-10.
To put it lightly, Sunday’s loss simply added more sting to what has already been a rough season and most fans left TIAA Bank Field thankful that just one home game remains. While the Jags have traditionally struggles against the Chargers with a 3-7 record against them (which is now a 3-8 record), nobody expected this type of beatdown.
The Jags were outmatched in every way Sunday, but the defense once again failed miserably when on the field as they were without two key starters in linebacker Myles Jack and safety Ronnie Harrison. Overall, the unit gave up a gut-wrenching total of 525 yards. Over 220 of those yards came from one player as nobody seemingly wanted to tackle tailback Austin Ekler, who gashed the Jags for over 100 yards on the ground and over 110 yards through the air.
Quarterback Philip Rivers also continued to be a problem for the Jags’ franchise, too. On his 38th birthday, he had his way with the defense, going 16-of-22 for 314 yards and three touchdowns. His success led to him being pulled out in the fourth quarter and backup Tyrod Taylor was entered into the game to have some success of his own.
On offense, Gardner Minshew II and company weren’t able to get much going either. If there were any positives, it was the fact that Minshew set the rookie franchise record with 15 touchdown passes. He ultimately finished the game 24-of-37 for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Running back Leonard Fournette also achieved a noteworthy feat by going over the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time in his career. Unfortunately, with the team being down by a massive deficit, they got away from the run, which only allowed him to garner 50 yards on the day on 15 carries.
With not much to look forward to aside from the season’s end and the potential of sweeping changes, Jags fans will at least get a break from watching the Jags struggle in their own stadium next week. Their next game will take place on the West Coast against the Oakland Raiders, who are currently 6-7. Kickoff for that game is set for Dec. 15 at 4:05 p.m. EST.