Jacksonville Jaguars: Special teams shine as team reclaims home field
By Larry Brake
The much maligned Jacksonville Jaguars special teams were the key in reclaiming home field as they ran past the Bengals in Week 9.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made changes to their special teams after the meltdown at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams returned the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and blocked a punt, which resulted in another touchdown. Jacksonville was not consistently making field goals at crucial times.
Josh Lambo became the new kicker. Lambo has made every extra point since his first game in Indianapolis. He has kicked five field goals and made each one.
Jaydon Mickens was added to the Jaguars active roster replacing Max McCaffrey. Mickens fair caught most of the seven Indianapolis punts in Week 7. There was not any noticeable difference between McCaffrey and Mickens at that point in time. Then came the bye week and the Cincinnati Bengals came into Jacksonville looking to spoil a Jaguars victory at home.
The Jaguars wore the teal jerseys for homecoming day. Many of the long time Jaguars were in attendance and were introduced at halftime to the teal dressed fans. They witnessed a total team victory led by the special teams.
Jacksonville’s offense dominated the time of possession. Out of the 60 minutes of game time, the Jaguars held the ball for 40 minutes and 14 seconds. By converting twelve of eighteen third downs, Jacksonville punted twice.
Lambo kicked three field goals. They were straight and true in yards of 32, 56 and 25, respectively. The 56 yard field goal is now his longest ever career-wise. Now the Jaguars have consistency in the kicking game.
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Mickens returned three punts for 82 total yards. He provided the knockout punch with a 63 yard punt return in the fourth quarter. His touchdown appeared to deflate the Bengals.
The special teams accounted for 16 of the Jaguars’ 23 points. Although the game was a total team home victory, you can not overlook the contributions by Lambo or Mickens. Jacksonville looks to be in good position to make a playoff run.