The Jacksonville Jaguars are struggling now more than ever and are looking for a much needed confidence boost. Hopefully, Week 13 can provide just that as the team returns home to face off against the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Here are three things to know for Sunday’s matchup:
Jacksonville leads the series with a 4-2 record
These two Floridian rivals rarely face off against one another. With the way the NFL’s current scheduling system is set up, the teams play on average once every four seasons. The two teams have met on just six occasions, with Jacksonville coming away victorious four of those times.
Jacksonville will enter Sunday’s game as the favorite. Coming off of an ugly three game stretch, the Jaguars are in desperate need of a rebound game. Hopefully, the struggling Bucs can help Jacksonville right the ship.
Shaquille Barrett leads the NFL in sacks but he has some help in the trenches
The Jaguars’ offensive line will have their hands full on the perimeter Sunday. They’ll be up against the league’s co-leader in sacks in Shaquille Barrett, who has been unblockable as a pass rusher and has accumulated 12.5 sacks to his name. That said, tackles Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor will have to have big days in order to keep Nick Foles upright.
However, Barrett isn’t the only player having a productive season on the Bucs’ defensive line. Nose tackle Vita Vea has also looked much improved this season and could give the interior of the line fits in the run game. Opening up holes for Leonard Fournette will be key to getting the offense going. The team can’t let Vea ruin their plans because the Jags have struggled immensely when Fournette doesn’t have a strong day.
A dangerous duo
No receiving duo has been more dominant in 2019 than Bucs receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Both receivers have already cross the 1,000 yard threshold and are second and third in the NFL, respectively. With a struggling defense hindering the Jags, this will be a great opportunity for the unit to get back on track and shut down one of the league’s most high-powered offenses.
Another thing to keep in mind going against Tampa Bay is Jameis Winston’s propensity to turn the ball over. Winston leads the NFL in interceptions with an astounding 20 picks on the year. Jacksonville has had trouble causing turnovers this season, and with Winston’s help, they may be in for a big game Sunday. It will be critical for the defensive line to produce pressure on Winston given his history.
Of course, it is also up to the Jaguars’ offense to take advantage of their opportunities, too, if they are to win.
