Jacksonville Jaguars pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue balled out Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, registering what was his best game of the year so far. Alongside the Jags’ other pass rushers, he was disruptive all day accumulating five tackles, two sacks and a pass deflection.
Of course, when a player has a day like Ngakoue, that typically translates on Pro Football Focus’ grading scale — and that was the case for the fourth-year pass rusher. He was able to register the Jags’ highest grade for the database Week 15 with a 81.2. That also bumped his overall grade on the year to a 76.3.
YANNICK NGAKOUE (81.2) was the highest-graded player for the #Jaguars in their Week 15 win against the #Raiders
Ngakoue had 3 tackles, 1 batted pass and 7 total QB pressures including 2 sacks#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/mvua0qayC0
— PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) December 16, 2019
Ngakoue, who was battling a hamstring injury earlier in the season, has been solid as the season progressed and has also held his own against the run, and area where fans criticize him before the season. At this point he’s made it to where the Jags would be foolish to not re-sign him in the near future, but it’s looking as though another regime will have to make that call as the Jags are likely heading towards some front office changes.
Ngakoue has also had an impact in the locker room, too. He’s often been seen on the Jags’ social media posts rallying the team trying to keep them upbeat through what has been a tough season.
Simply put, if that doesn’t prove what kind of asset he is to the team, then I don’t know what will for ownership.