Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars travel west to play the final game in Oakland as the rookie quarterback has plenty left to prove.
The Jacksonville Jaguars limp into Oakland to play the final game in the historic Coliseum. Gardner Minshew will get his first introduction to the infamous Black Hole. Minshew mania will get its first test against the most hostile and rowdiest fanbase in the NFL.
Minshew struggled last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, his touchdown pass to Nick O’Leary set the Jaguars franchise record of 15 touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback. By the way, that touchdown was the high point of an otherwise terrible outing by Jacksonville.
In Week 15, the Jaguars defense gets to try and stop Josh Jacobs, the leading rusher for the Oakland Raiders. He has carried the ball 218 times for 1,061 yards with seven touchdowns. Jacksonville has really struggled to stop opposing running backs lately.
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Derek Carr has two big receivers to target in tight end Darren Waller and wideout Tyrell Williams. They have combined for 108 receptions for 1,404 yards with eight touchdowns. The Jaguars will have to pressure Carr early and often.
Defensively, Minshew will be facing two big time pass rushers. Maxx Crosby has 7.5 sacks and Benson Mayowa has recorded seven sacks. The Jaguars offensive line must play penalty free and protect Minshew.
The biggest question of the year is can the Jaguars bounce back to play well in Oakland? They will be staring into the Black Hole. Jacksonville needs a victory in the worst way.
The Jaguars offensive line has to win the battle up front. Since injuries have decimated the Jacksonville defense, the offense must control the game and clock. Leonard Fournette needs to get the ball to set the tempo.
If the Jaguars can effectively run the ball, they have a great opportunity to win the game. Most of all, they have to get an early lead. How cool would it be to win the game with Fournette leading the way with 200 yards rushing?
Minshew mania has excited many Jaguars fans but winning this game would be awesome. Winning the final game in Oakland is something to build upon.