NFL, FBS, and FCS teams from the state of Florida were 0-11 this weekend before the Dolphins got a win.
Football teams at the NFL, FBS, and FCS level in the state of Florida had a rough weekend. The Miami Dolphins didn’t, though.
Thanks to a 23-15 win against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, the Sunshine State avoided its first ever winless weekend. Prior to the victory, the state of Florida was 0-11.
East Carolina 49, Florida Atlantic 14 (Thursday)
Texas 49, Florida 17 (Saturday)
Georgia Tech 28, Miami 23 (Saturday)
Notre Dame 52, Florida State 3 (Saturday)
Navy 28, South Florida 7 (Saturday)
Arizona State 35, Central Florida 31 (Saturday)
Prairie View A&M 31, Florida A&M 12 (Saturday)
Southern 25, Bethune-Cookman 23 (Saturday)
Marist 40, Stetson 31 (Saturday)
San Francisco 49ers 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 (Sunday)
Perhaps the Sunshine State’s curse had a Sunday night expiration date.
Had the Dolphins been unable to beat the Rams, it would’ve been an 0-12 week of results for the state. It also would’ve been the third week of NFL action with the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Dolphins all picking up losses — another potential first.
Instant analysis of the Packers’ 30-27 win over the Jaguars in Week 8.
The Green Bay Packers overcame an injury to Jordan Love and two blown leads in the second half to escape Jacksonville with a walk-off win on a 24-yard field goal from Brandon McManus on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. Backup Malik Willis found Jayden Reed for a 51-yard completion to set up the field goal that sent the Packers to a 30-27 victory.
Matt LaFleur’s team has won four straight games and is now 6-2 overall.
Here is an instant analysis of the Packers’ win over the Jaguars in Week 8:
Final score: Packers 30, Jaguars 27
1
2
3
4
F
GB (6-2)
0
13
7
10
30
JAX (2-6)
0
10
7
10
27
Live scoring
Second quarter
GB 7, JAX 0: Josh Jacobs 3-yard run (11:31)
GB 10, JAX 0: Brandon McManus 31-yard field goal (6:03)
GB 10, JAX 7: Trevor Lawrence 6-yard run (2:37)
GB 13, JAX 7: Brandon McManus 36-yard field goal (0:54)
GB 13, JAX 10: Cam Little 39-yard field goal (0:03)
Third quarter
JAX 17, GB 13: Brian Thomas Jr. 14-yard catch (5:10)
GB 20, JAX 17: Josh Jacobs 38-yard run (0:21)
… the Packers dialed up the perfect play, Malik Willis “canned” to the throw and Jayden Reed produced a 51-yard catch on the Packers’ final drive. The explosive play allowed the Packers to kill the rest of the clock and kick the short field goal to win the game with no time left.
Malik Willis to Jayden Reed for 51 yards to set up the game winning FG for the second week in a row by Brandon McManus, who played for the Jaguars last season. pic.twitter.com/6kH0k9TpZX
Offense — RB Josh Jacobs: The veteran running back turned 25 carries into 127 yards and two scores, including a go-ahead 38-yard touchdown in the second half.
Defense — LB Edgerrin Cooper: His strip-sack created a turnover and a quick touchdown after Jordan Love went out with an injury. Later, he broke up a pass on third down to force a punt. The rookie led the Packers with nine tackles.
Special teams — K Brandon McManus: In his return to Jacksonville, McManus made all six of his kicks, including all three field goals. His 24-yarder was the walk-off winner.
Key stat
2-for-6: The Packers finished with only two touchdowns on six red zone trips, including a 1-for-4 start in the first half. Jordan Love threw an interception and the Packers settled for three short field goals. The Jaguars were 3-for-3 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. This situational gap kept the Jaguars in the game, especially early.
Deciding factor
Additions: Xavier McKinney’s sixth interception of the season set up a touchdown, Josh Jacobs rushed for two scores, Malik Willis led a game-winning drive and Brandon McManus kicked home the game-winner. All four were added to the roster in the last seven months. Not a bad day for Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Jordan Love watch
Love appeared to suffer a lower-body injury on the Packers’ first possession. After playing through the issue for a half, Love went down on the first possession of the second half, exited the game and didn’t return. He has a groin injury. Before exiting, Love completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards and an interception. His mobility was severely limited after the injury. In relief, Malik Willis completed four passes — including the 51-yarder to Jayden Reed and a short touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft — and rushed for 23 yards.
Play of the game
Jordan Love exited the game with an injury and the Packers gave up the lead soon after, but Josh Jacobs helped change the course of the game with a touchdown drive on Malik Willis’ first series. He finished it off with an impressive 38-yard score. He made a tackler miss in the open field and then used a block from Christian Watson to get into the end zone.
Injury updates
Safety Evan Williams injured his hamstring in warmups and was eventually ruled out. Quarterback Jordan Love injured his groin and missed most of the second half. Running back Josh Jacobs and cornerback Jaire Alexander both appeared to suffer injuries late.
What’s next
The biggest game of the season so far. Coming to Green Bay next Sunday will be the Detroit Lions, who are 6-1 and leading the NFC North after cruising past the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Ford Field. The Packers are going to have a ton of injury question marks entering Week 9.
Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Jaguars in Week 8 of the 2024 season on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers are on the road and attempting to run their record to 6-2 during Sunday’s showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
Matt LaFleur’s team has already beaten the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans through the first seven weeks. A win over the Jaguars Sunday would complete the AFC South sweep.
Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Jaguars in Week 8:
Final score: Packers 30, Jaguars 27
1
2
3
4
F
GB (6-2)
0
13
7
10
30
JAX (2-6)
0
10
7
10
27
Live scoring
Second quarter
GB 7, JAX 0: Josh Jacobs 3-yard run (11:31)
GB 10, JAX 0: Brandon McManus 31-yard field goal (6:03)
GB 10, JAX 7: Trevor Lawrence 6-yard run (2:37)
GB 13, JAX 7: Brandon McManus 36-yard field goal (0:54)
GB 13, JAX 10: Cam Little 39-yard field goal (0:03)
Third quarter
JAX 17, GB 13: Brian Thomas Jr. 14-yard catch (5:10)
GB 20, JAX 17: Josh Jacobs 38-yard run (0:21)
Wyatt in, Walker inactive: The Packers are getting back Devonte Wyatt, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but Quay Walker is inactive after suffering a concussion last Sunday. Expect to see plenty of Eric Wilson, Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie at linebacker.
No score through one: The Packers and Jaguars are tied at 0-0 through one quarter, but the Packers have a big yard advantage — 108 to 15 — and time of possession advantage. Green Bay ran 18 plays and held the ball for 11:19 of the first 15 minutes. The Jaguars went three-and-out on both possessions to start the game.
Another pick for X: A few plays after Jordan Love was intercepted in the red zone, Xavier McKinney got the ball right back with his sixth interception of the season. He was in the right place at the right time to pick off Trevor Lawrence’s misfire. Six picks in eight games for the former Giant.
Xavier McKinney has his 6th interception of the season!
Packers take the lead: After Xavier McKinney’s interception and a 21-yard pass interference penalty, the Packers took a 7-0 lead on Josh Jacobs’ 3-yard touchdown run. Green Bay is dominating the game in almost every way, and now Matt LaFleur’s team has a lead.
Big play Tuck: A new career-long reception for Packers tight end Tucker Kraft — 67 yards on a catch-and-run after an extended play from Jordan Love. The play set up a field goal for the Packers.
Packers go up six: Trevor Lawrence’s 6-yard touchdown run cut into the Packers’ lead, but Jordan Love led another scoring drive. Green Bay got a couple of shots to score but couldn’t get it done — settling for a field goal from the red zone. It’s 13-7, but the Packers are 1-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone in the first half.
13-10 at half: The Packers mostly dominated, but a lack of situational finish from Matt LaFleur’s team has the Jaguars right in it at the half. The Jaguars drove the field and kicked a short field goal to cut the lead to 13-10. Jacksonville gets the ball to start the third quarter.
Love hurt, Jags lead: Jordan Love exited the game on the first drive of the second half, and then the Jaguars drove the field for the go-ahead touchdown. Rookie defensive back Javon Bullard gave up an explosive play and the touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. The Packers need a response.
Injury update: Jordan Love is questionable to return with a groin injury. Evan Williams was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Josh Jacobs re-takes the lead: Malik Willis ripped off a 20-yard run, and Jacobs produced one of his most impressive runs of the season on a 38-yard score that gave the Packers a 20-17 lead. Watch Jacobs make a man miss at the second level and race into the end zone for a go-ahead score:
What a response: The Packers turned a 3-point deficit into a 10-point lead with an onslaught from the offense and defense. After Josh Jacobs’ 38-yard touchdown run re-took the lead, the Packers defense created a takeaway when Edgerrin Cooper’s strip-sack led to a Devonte Wyatt fumble recovery. A few plays later, Malik Willis hit Tucker Kraft on a well-designed play-action call for a short touchdown pass. It’s 27-17 Packers.
Can Packers hold on? The Jaguars drove for a field goal with 5:36 left. It’s 27-20. Can Malik Willis engineer a game-sealing drive? Or will the Packers defense need another stop?
Tied up: The Jaguars drove 87 yards to tie the game at 27 with 1:48 left. Evan Engram beat Keisean Nixon for a leaping 14-yard touchdown catch from Trevor Lawrence. Does Malik Willis have any late-game magic?
McManus walk-off winner again: A long completion from Malik Willis to Jayden Reed delivered the late dagger for the Packers. The big play set up Brandon McManus’ 24-yard game winner as time expired. Packers improve to 6-2.
Jaguars OT Cam Robinson clears concussion protocol, will play Sunday against Green Bay
The Jacksonville Jaguars will have left tackle Cam Robinson available against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 as he passed the NFL’s concussion protocol on Saturday.
Previously listed as questionable, Robinson’s now enters the game with no status, leaving him to be able to play on Sunday.
Robinson, an eight-year NFL veteran, returns to the field after suffering the injury last Sunday against New England. Before leaving the game against the Patriots, Robinson played every offensive snap for the Jaguars this season.
Fourth-year Jaguars offensive tackle Walker Little stepped up in relief of Robinson in the Jaguars’ second win of the season, a 32-16 victory in Wembley Stadium, in London, England.
In Oloukun’s absence, second-year linebacker Ventrell Miller contributed valuable snaps as the Jaguars held the Patriots to 16 points, the lowest total points of any opponent the Jaguars faced all season.
Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 8 showdown with the Jaguars.
The Green Bay Packers (5-2) will attempt to run the win streak to four games when Matt LaFleur’s team takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
The Jaguars have won two of the last three games and are returning home after a two-week stay in London. Leading a talented but inconsistent offense is quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. Leading a talented but drastically underperforming defense are top picks Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
Can the Packers go down to Florida and get a road win after an emotional home win last week?
Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 8:
Former Packers
Expect to see a couple of former Packers draft picks on the field for Jacksonville. Tight end Josiah Deguara rarely plays on offense but is a core special teamer, while defensive back Darnell Savage has played both deep safety and in the slot for Jacksonville’s secondary. The Jaguars also have offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen, another Packers draft pick, on the roster. Sunday will be a reunion for a few Packers specialists, too. Long snapper Matt Orzech (2019) and Brandon McManus (2023) both previously played for the Jaguars. Of course, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was a long-time backup behind Brett Favre in Green Bay.
Follow up performance
Last week, the Packers defense smothered C.J. Stroud, one of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks. Does Jeff Hafley’s group have an encore in store for Trevor Lawrence? A devastating pass rush combined with coverage downfield to hold Stroud — who was without Nico Collins — to only 86 passing yards. The challenge might be more difficult against a healthy Jaguars offense featuring impressive rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and several veteran weapons. The Packers defense continues to ascend, and no one in Green Bay wants to see a letdown performance. Protecting against the deep ball will be important.
Interception spotlight
Much has been made about Jordan Love’s eight interceptions. Some have been bad luck. Others have been the result of over-aggressiveness. Sunday’s trip to Jacksonville is an interesting matchup of an aggressive quarterback against a struggling defense that has just one pick all season. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown 16 touchdown passes and are averaging 8.0 yards per attempt against the Jaguars this season. Can Love take advantage against one of the NFL’s worst passing defenses?
Pass protection conundrum
The Jaguars have two talented edge rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, which has led defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to be blitz-avoidant this season. The Jaguars rank last in blitz percentage, but there’s a problem: Jacksonville is also pressuring quarterbacks at a below average rate. Will Nielsen send extra rushers against Jordan Love, who has struggled against the blitz at times this season? Regardless of blitz rate, Sunday’s matchup is another good test for offensive tackles Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom. The Packers also listed center Josh Myers as questionable to play with a wrist injury, so a shuffle could be coming up front.
Another RB test
The Packers have allowed 90 or more rushing yards to Saquon Barkley (109 yards), Jonathan Taylor (103), Aaron Jones (93), Kyren Williams (102) and Joe Mixon (115) during the first seven weeks. It’s been a gauntlet of running backs facing the Packers, and Sunday brings another big test in the form of Tank Bigsby, who rushed for 126 yards last week and is averaging 6.1 yards per carry this season. He’s been a tackle-breaking machine in 2024. The Packers might not have Quay Walker, who is working through the concussion protocol. Can the Packers keep Bigsby from controlling the game on the ground? Mixon nearly willed the Texans’ struggling offense to a win last week in Green Bay.
Prediction: Packers 30, Jaguars 20 (3-4)
In many ways, the Jaguars look more talented on paper than the AFC South-leading Texans, especially considering all the injuries Houston was dealing with during the trip to Green Bay last week. The Packers say they aren’t taking this trip to Jacksonville lightly, but they have to prove it Sunday. This is an important test for a young but maturing team — can you go on the road and take care of business against what appears to be an inferior opponent, especially after an emotional home win last Sunday? Games against the Giants and Panthers late last year were disappointing but also immature performances. The difference in 2024? Jeff Hafley’s aggressive style on defense, and the blossoming confidence of Jordan Love and the offense. I think the Packers show why they are a different level of contender with a commanding performance on the road.
Breaking down the final injury report of Week 8 before the Packers take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Green Bay Packers listed linebacker Quay Walker, center Josh Myers and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt as questionable and cornerback Corey Ballentine as doubtful on the final injury report before facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8.
How will the injury situation affect Sunday’s showdown?
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the Packers’ final injury report ahead of Week 8:
Doubtful (1)
CB Corey Ballentine (ankle): The veteran corner and special teamer didn’t practice all week, suggesting he’s a long shot to play. Ballentine has played over 60 percent of special teams snaps this season. The Packers have three cornerbacks available on the practice squad if depth is an issue entering Sunday: rookies Kalen King and Kamal Hadden and veteran Robert Rochell.
Questionable (3)
C Josh Myers (wrist): A big one to watch. Myers didn’t practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday. A wrist injury could be a significant one for a player who snaps the football every play. Elgton Jenkins has been the primary backup at center to start the 2024 season, so it’s likely that — in the event Myers can’t play — Jenkins would play center and Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan would handle the two guard spots.
DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle): The disruptive interior defender could return after missing the last three games. Wyatt, who had 3.0 sacks in the first four games, practiced in a limited capacity all three days this week. His return would likely mean less opportunities for Karl Brooks, but it’s possible the Packers will ease Wyatt back into action on Sunday. In a game against Trevor Lawrence, the Packers defensive front needs pocket disruption.
LB Quay Walker (concussion): After missing Wednesday’s practice, Walker returned and was limited on both Thursday and Friday. He’s still in concussion protocol, but two straight days of practice is a good sign for his availability. He’ll have the next two days to get over the final hurdles. If Walker can’t, the Packers have veterans Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie and rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper to handle snaps at linebacker.
No status designation
The following players have no status designation and will be available to play on Sunday vs. the Jaguars: CB Jaire Alexander, DL Kenny Clark, OL Elgton Jenkins, CB Keisean Nixon, WR Jayden Reed, WR Christian Watson and DL Colby Wooden.
Jaguars injury report
Defensive lineman Arik Armstead, tight end Evan Engram and receiver Gabe Davis will all play, but the Jaguars listed six players as questionable: running back Travis Etienne (hamstring), linebacker Foye Oluokun (foot), defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (calf), offensive tackle Cam Robinson (concussion), defensive tackle Maason Smith (ankle) and safety Andrew Wingard (knee). All but Smith practiced on Friday. Oluokun and Wingard are designated to return from injured reserve.
Five keys to the Packers beating the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers are headed to Florida to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. After playing a couple of hotter-than-usual games at Lambeau Field, the Packers will take on the Jaguars in the Florida heat and humidity.
After beating the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars during the first seven weeks, the Packers are going for an AFC South sweep on Sunday.
Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Jaguars in Week 8:
Another OT spotlight game
The Jaguars rank dead last in the NFL in blitz percentage (16.1) through seven games, per Pro Football Reference. Why is this? Jacksonville’s defense relies heavily on edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Allen-Hines winning matchups to create pressure. Like last week, when Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom faced off against Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, the Packers are facing another top edge rusher duo — Walker and Allen-Hines both have over 25 pressures. Two things: Can Walker and Tom keep the pair blocked up in the passing game? And will the Jaguars change their strategy? Jordan Love is first in the NFL in yards per attempt and EPA when not blitzed this season, per Next Gen Stats.
Deep passing game
Don’t be surprised if both teams are taking shots down the field on Sunday. Trevor Lawrence ranks first in both attempts and completions on passes thrown over 20 yards in the air this season, and rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been a legitimate downfield threat to start his first season. Can the Packers keep the lid on the Jaguars passing game? Safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams will be tested, and the Packers need the pass rush to reduce time for deep plays to develop. Defensively, a big weak spot for the Jaguars is in the secondary, and particularly at safety. Could this be the game that Christian Watson creates a couple of big plays down the field? His speed against an average group of corners and a weak group of safeties could be the difference.
Tackling Tank
Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby is aptly named. He’s forced 25 missed tackles on only 67 attempts, including 18 forced misses over the last three games. With Travis Etienne struggling and now nursing an injured hamstring, Bigsby has become the engine of the offense. He’s averaging 4.58 yards after first contact, which is first among running backs with at least 50 carries, and his 25 missed tackles forced ranks fourth despite having 40 fewer carries than the other leaders. Roughly one in every seven carries for Bigsby has gained 10 or more yards. He is a big-time threat. The Packers — who could be without linebacker Quay Walker (concussion) — have to rally to the football and make tough tackles against an ascending running back in the Florida heat on Sunday.
Protecting the football
The Jaguars have only three takeaways this season, including just one interception. This is an opportunity for Jordan Love — who currently leads the NFL in interceptions thrown — to play efficient and turnover-free in the passing game. The Jaguars are struggling to pressure the quarterback and struggling to cover receivers and tight ends. Add in the lack of takeaways, and this is one of the worst defenses in football to start the 2024 season. Love and the Packers have a chance to control the game through the air and smother any upset attempt by protecting the football. Winning the turnover battle against a team that has struggled so mightily to generate takeaways is a must.
Don’t make a mess on special teams
The Jaguars are one of the NFL’s better teams on special teams, ranking sixth in DVOA and second in PFF grade through seven games. Kicker Cam Little missed only one field goal, punter Logan Cooke ranks fourth in net punting, Parker Washington returned a punt for a touchdown last week, and the Jaguars rarely miss tackles or commit penalties on special teams. Can the Packers bounce back an up-and-down performance on special teams last week? Making mistakes in the third phase is always a good way to keep an inferior opponent in the game.
Things to know from the Packers’ first injury report before playing the Jaguars on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers released the team’s first injury report of Week 8 on Wednesday. The team will release two more injury reports, including a final injury report on Friday with official playing status designations before Sunday’s showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Here’s everything to know from the Packers’ first injury report of Week 8:
— Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle) returned to practice for the first time since suffering an injury in Week 4. He was limited. Practicing on Wednesday should give Wyatt a legitimate chance of returning on Sunday.
— New injuries included a wrist injury for center Josh Myers, a glute injury for left guard Elgton Jenkins and an ankle injury for cornerback Corey Ballentine. All three missed practice on Wednesday. Injuries to Myers and Jenkins are especially troublesome considering Myers is the starting center and Jenkins has operated as the backup center. If one or both can’t go, the Packers would need to do some serious shuffling along the offensive line.
— Linebacker Quay Walker is in concussion protocol. He did not practice Wednesday. He’ll have to progress through the protocol over the next few days to have a chance to play Sunday. The Packers have Isaiah McDuffie, rookie Edgerrin Cooper and Eric Wilson behind Walker at linebacker.
— Cornerback Keisean Nixon has a new hamstring injury, but he practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday.
— Defensive lineman Kenny Clark remains on the injury report with a toe injury. He’s played through the injury for six consecutive weeks. Cornerback Jaire Alexander is still listed with a groin injury. Both were limited.
— The Packers removed tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) from the injury report to start Week 8. All both are recovered from past injuries.
— The Jaguars were without starting left tackle Cam Robinson, who is in the concussion protocol to start the week. Seven other players were listed as limited, including defensive lineman Arik Armstead, receiver Gabe Davis, tight end Evan Engram and running back Travis Etienne. Linebacker Foye Oluokun and safety Andrew Wingard were designated to return from injured reserve and were limited during Wednesday’s practice.
Matt LaFleur thinks the Jaguars are packed with talent, and he doesn’t think the Packers will take them lightly on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers aren’t going into Sunday’s showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars expecting an easy win on the road.
Coach Matt LaFleur noted the Jaguars — who are 2-5 — lost three of their first four games by five points or fewer and could easily have a winning record entering Week 8.
“I think when you look at this team, they’ve lost a game by three points, by four points and by five points. They were in command vs. Houston and vs. Miami, they could be 5-2, sitting the same as us right now,” LaFleur said Wednesday.
The Jaguars started 0-4 but have won two of the last three games — a 37-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts and a 32-16 win over the New England Patriots last week in London. Doug Pederson’s team led 14-0 and 17-7 in the first half of the season opener in Miami but lost. Three weeks later, the Jaguars led 7-0 early and 20-17 late but couldn’t hold on in a loss to the Texans.
LaFleur sees a talented team with a good young quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, weapons all over the offense and two game-wrecking edge rushers on defense.
“They’ve got weapons in every phase of the game,” LaFleur said. “They’ve got receivers that are explosive. The tight end is explosive. They’ve got two runners. They’ve got a franchise quarterback. I think you look at the defensive side of the ball, their ability to get after the quarterback is real. They’ve got two edge rushers that are two of the best in the game. On teams they’re making plays, they had a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown last week. We’ve got to play a consistent, four quarters against this team. This is a very good team. And again, this is the National Football League, so you better get ready to play your best each and every week.”
Around Lawrence, the Jaguars have assembled running backs Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne, receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis and tight end Evan Engram. The Jaguars’ five preferred starters along the offensive line have all started each game this season.
Lawrence, the first overall pick in 2021, has nine touchdown passes and only three interceptions through seven games.
“I see an elite quarterback that’s capable of making any throw and he can beat you with his legs. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do,” LaFleur said. “He’s got some weapons around him. It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
Among those weapons is Engram, whom LaFleur called a “game changer.” The veteran tight end caught 114 passes last season.
“You don’t see too many tight ends with that kind of speed,” LaFleur said.
Bigsby is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and coming off a 126-yard performance in London. Etienne has back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Thomas, a first-round rookie, has a team-high 30 catches for 513 yards and four touchdowns, including an 85-yarder. Kirk produced almost 2,000 receiving yards during his first two seasons in Jacksonville. Davis caught 27 touchdown passes over four seasons with Josh Allen in Buffalo.
On defense, edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker — two high draft picks — are highly disruptive. Both have over 25 pressures this season. Walker has 6.0 sacks.
Last week, Parker Washington returned a punt 96 yards for a game-breaking touchdown. By PFF grade, the Jaguars are one of the NFL’s best teams on special teams.
It’s clear LaFleur doesn’t see the 2-5 Jaguars as a typical floundering team lacking talent.
“Pretty strong roster,” LaFleur said.
The Packers are coming off an emotional home win over the Texans and must now go on the road to play a team packed with talent and desperate to get their season back on track. Can LaFleur’s team step up to the challenge and complete the sweep of the AFC South?
Previewing the Jaguars ahead of Sunday’s showdown in Jacksonville in Week 8.
The Green Bay Packers will attempt to run the win streak to four games when they go on the road to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. The Jaguars are 2-5 but coming off a big win in the second of two consecutive games in London.
Can the Packers complete the four-game sweep of the AFC South with a win over the Jaguars on Sunday?
Here’s a closer look at the Jaguars entering Week 8:
Last week (Win, 32-16 over Patriots)
For the second straight week, the Packers will be playing an AFC South team coming off a win over the New England Patriots. The Jaguars fell behind 10-0 in London but scored 25 straight points between the second and third quarters to break open the game. Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught a touchdown pass and running back Tank Bigsby created a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Jaguars ahead, and Parker Washington’s 96-yard punt return for a score gave Jacksonville a 12-point halftime lead. Bigsby finished off the win with a 4-yard touchdown run late. Trevor Lawrence completed 15 of 20 passes in an efficient performance, Bigsby ran 26 times for 118 yards and the Jaguars defense held Drake Maye and the Patriots to only 295 total yards. Jacksonville didn’t allow a sack or have a turnover, and Doug Pederson’s team only committed four penalties. A strong overall effort to close out a two-week stay in London.
Quarterback play
Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, is a bit of a mystery. He is undeniably talented, but the numbers show a still inconsistent passer. Through seven games, Lawrence has seven touchdown passes and three interceptions, with a completion percentage of 62.1, a yards per attempt average of 7.2 (currently a career high) and a passer rating of 92.3. He has been especially good attacking down the field, with 15 completions of 20 or more yards (first) and 541 yards on deep passes (first). By PFF grade, Lawrence ranks eighth out of 28 qualifying quarterbacks. Targets have dropped 10.3 percent of his passes, an NFL high, so his low completion percentage to start 2024 might be easily explained. When under pressure, Lawrence is averaging 4.2 yards per attempt, the fourth lowest among quarterbacks. Pressure will be key because Lawrence has been very efficient from clean pockets.
Line of scrimmage
The starting five offensive linemen have played in all seven games. Only 29.2 percent of Trevor Lawrence’s dropbacks have included pressure, the third lowest percentage among quarterbacks. The Jaguars rank 11th in pass-blocking efficiency at PFF. Lawrence has been sacked 15 times in seven games. The Jaguars run game is averaging 5.1 yards per carry — including a 6.2-yard mark from Tank Bigsby — and three different running backs have a success rate over 50 percent. Defensively, the Jaguars are giving up only 4.2 yards per carry, the seventh best mark in football, but have only 16 sacks. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker both have over 25 pressures as edge rushers. The interior of the defensive line is a weak spot.
Turnovers
The Jaguars have turned the ball over only seven times in seven games, including three games with zero turnovers. But they are still -4 in turnover margin because the defense has generated only three takeaways, tied for the second fewest in football. A terrible pass defense has just one interception despite facing 253 passing attempts. Of the three fumbles forced by the defense, two have been recovered. Trevor Lawrence has thrown only three interceptions and currently has the best interception percentage of his career.
Injury situations
Left tackle Cam Robinson is in concussion protocol coming out of Week 7. Running back Travis Etienne missed last week’s win with a hamstring injury, but he could return Sunday. Top linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and special teamer Andrew Wingard are on injured reserve, but both were designated to return to start this week. The Jaguars are a relatively healthy football team entering Week 8.
Players to know
S Darnell Savage: The former Packer has played mostly in the slot this season. Despite playing closer to the line of scrimmage, he’s remained a liability in coverage.
WR Brian Thomas Jr.: The rookie first-rounder leads the Jaguars in catches (30) and receiving yards (513) and receiving touchdowns (4). He’s a legitimate big-play threat.
DE Travon Walker: The 2022 first overall pick has 6.0 sacks to start 2024. While not as down-to-down dominant as Josh Hines-Allen, Walker is starting to consistently impact games as a pass-rusher.
CB Ronald Darby: The veteran corner has allowed 372 passing yards into his coverage, the third most among cornerbacks this season. Quarterbacks are completing 76.3 percent of passes and have three touchdown passes and zero picks when targeting Darby.
