Jacksonville Jaguars: Expect a teal and real victory in Week 9
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars are hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Week 9, donning their teal jerseys and looking on track to win.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to put back to back wins together on Sunday. Jacksonville will wear teal jerseys against the Cincinnati Bengals. The last time the Jaguars wore teal jerseys was in 2013 against the San Diego Chargers. Jacksonville designated teal as an alternate color in 2013 while wearing the current black jerseys.
Cincinnati comes into the game after defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 24-23. Cincinnati returned an interception back for a touchdown in the fourth quarter which eventually proved to be the game winning play. The Colts offense had 331 net total yards against the Cincinnati defense.
It’s easy to predict a Jaguars blowout by just comparing scores. Jacksonville systematically thrashed the Colts, 27-0. Cincinnati just got by with a one point victory at home. Realistically, Jacksonville, on Sunday, will be a better team than they were in Indianapolis.
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Jacksonville will have Leonard Fournette back in the starting lineup. Fournette missed the game in Indianapolis due to an ankle injury. He is the NFL’s sixth leading rusher with 596 yards on 130 carries. He is averaging 99.3 yards per game while the Bengals defense is giving up an average of 111.9 yards per game. The Jaguars must give Fournette the ball early and often.
Rookie receiver Dede Westbrook is activated and eligible to play on Sunday. After a terrific showing in the preseason, his presence should lift the passing game. Blake Bortles is the beneficiary due to gaining another target. Westbrook becomes the Jaguars deep threat in their vertical passing game.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars rushing defense will get a boost with the acquisition of Marcel Dareus. Although the Bengals are averaging 78 rushing yards per game, Dareus will be able to plug the middle against the run. Look for Jacksonville to unleash the front seven to control the line of scrimmage.
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There is a real sense of momentum in Jacksonville that has been missing in previous seasons. Donning the teal jerseys is the first step back to reclaiming home field advantage that the Jaguars once enjoyed having. Expect a teal and real victory on Sunday.