Jacksonville Jaguars: Offense must be more creative against Rams
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense was reduced to just running the ball in Pittsburgh. The offense must be more creative as the season progresses.
The Jacksonville Jaguars ran the ball, exclusively, in the fourth quarter in Pittsburgh en route to their 30-9, victory. While the defense put points on the scoreboard, the Jaguars let Blake Bortles just hand off. It was the prudent move given the game situation. However, Jacksonville has to be more creative as the season progresses and playoff time gets near.
Almost every Jaguars fan will admit that Bortles’ play is underwhelming. It seems like every time he drops back to pass, everyone expects the worse. Will he throw an interception or will it be battled down? Rather than draft or sign a quarterback, Jacksonville insisted that Bortles is their guy.
Since Jacksonville is in first place in the AFC South with a 3-2 record, it should be noted that Bortles has had little to do with their success. He played very well in London, but the offense used all their weapons. They need to use that blueprint going forward.
Leonard Fournette is the second leading NFL rusher. Teams will begin to stack the box to neutralize him even more moving forward. He should used as a decoy as much as a weapon. What are teams going to do as Fournette and Chris Ivory line up together in the backfield? The Jaguars should put them on the field together and motion one out.
Moreover, the Jaguars should use Marcedes Lewis more due to the lack of wide receiver production. He had three touchdowns in London and was targeted five times. Lewis is a physical presence at 6-6, 255 pounds. Why not split him out wide or make him the second or third slot receiver? Or, throw receiver screens to Lewis because he should be able to break tackles to get down field.
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What’s more, if Bortles can not complete passes, install quarterback run plays from under center. Like Lewis, Bortles is a physical player able to absorb hits and get up. A called quarterback sneak would catch most opponents off guard. The Jaguars should spread the field and run a quarterback sweep. It’s all about keeping defenses on their toes.
If the Jaguars do not get more creative, their playoff run may end early and quickly.