Despite the Jaguars ranking last in the league in offensive passing yards, totaling 142.8 yards, most of the production has come during away games. In fact, their only win so far has come on the road. After being on bye this past week, the Jaguars need to seize the upcoming game against the Raiders as the turning point in the season. The Jaguars traditionally compete against the Raiders pretty well. I watched the Jags slaughter the Raiders 49-11 back in 2007. Overall, the matchup record is 4-1 in favor of the Jags, but the pressure of this week’s need to prove they can at least go down fighting can have both positive and negative effects.
The quarterback matchup will be one of the more interesting battles. Raiders’ QB Carson Palmer is known for his ability to spread the ball around to multiple wide receivers, but then hit the tight end in the close range slant route. Jags QB Blaine Gabbert must give Palmer a dose of his own medicine. A bunch of long looks down the field aren’t necessary, but finding WRs in mid-range territory will heat up both Gabbert’s streaky arm and WRs like Cecil Shorts and Mike Thomas. Both Shorts as well as Thomas have been Gabbert’s favorite targets with their ability to pull down key passes in 4th quarter rallies. Yet, as we’ve figured out, 4th quarter rallies aren’t enough.
With WR Laurent Robinson still suffering from concussion symptoms, the receiving core did not have the veteran backing fans were hoping to see. Additionally, star draft pick WR Justin Blackmon has started off with a lackluster performance with only 13 catches for 119 yards. Targeting Blackmon more often will give him a chance to get out and run, one of his key attributes, and relieve some pressure from RB Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game. TE Marcedes Lewis must be utilized in order for the Jaguars to win. Raiders TE Brandon Myers has become one of QB Carson Palmer’s favorite targets, but does not hold up well against tight man-to-man coverage.
The Raiders are still figuring out their running game, as RB Darren McFadden is only averaging 3.2 yards a carry. Not only is this an open invitation for Maurice Jones-Drew to run wild over the Raider defense, but also MJD will be returning home to California for the first time as an NFL player. Though the Oakland fan base is one of the most dedicated in the league, MJD will have a determination to perform well in his hometown area. With 408 total rushing yards behind him already, Jones-Drew could very well use this Sunday as a season record setting platform, hopefully upping his fantasy football stats too.
The important aspect of Sunday’s matchup for the Jaguars is the need to continue to get better. Fans undoubtedly would like to see more than one win this far in the season, but the facts are the Jaguars are still sifting through the rubble. We’ve found a few golden artifacts, with two instances of Gabbert being able to throw (near) game winning touchdowns. We’ve seen MJD can still get the job done even after not showing up to training camp. Owner Shad Khan and Head Coach Mike Mularkey have shown dedication to the team by refusing to let the lack of national television exposure dictate how the team operates. All we need is time.
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