Week 6 Results and Their Effect on the AFC South Playoff Race

Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 6 Results: Lost to the Los Angeles Rams 27-17

What it Means: Through six weeks, the Jags have displayed a curious tendency to alternate between impressive victories and losses that look less than impressive. Last week was one of their less than impressive performances. This was a matchup of two teams that have surprised this season, with both the Rams and Jaguars already exceeding expectations. This game came down to two special teams scores by the Rams with a kickoff return by Pharoh Cooper and a blocked field goal returned by Malcolm Brown.

With both teams struggling to get their passing game going, those two scores proved an insurmountable obstacle for Jacksonville despite Fournette turning in another 100 yard game. One worrying note from the Jacksonville game has to be their rushing defense, which has been an achilles heel through six weeks. Todd Gurley rushed for 116 yards against a Jacksonville team that should stifle opposing running backs based on their line and linebackers. Jacksonville has earned the moniker “Sacksonville”, but they must learn to defend the run as well as they defend the pass or they will not win consistently.

What’s Next: The Jaguars, due for a win, face the Colts in a crucial divisional matchup. A toothless defense can not stop Fournette from running wild and a toothless running attack can not exploit Jacksonville’s poor run defense. The Jaguars directly counter the Colts team on both offense and defense and will thus find an easy victory this Sunday. and effectively end any hope the Colts have of making the playoffs this season.