The Jacksonville Jaguars finally return home this Sunday, from what has seemed like an eternity. It will be 18 days for the fans of Jacksonville since the last time they saw their team suit up at home come game time. This week’s opponent is the New Orleans Saints and here are three things you should know before kickoff:
The Jaguars are home favorites
The Jaguars currently sit as 1.5-point favorites as we close in on gameday. It certainly speaks volumes to the renewed confidence that people have in Gardner Minshew II and his ability to lead this offense. He has looked as good as any Jaguar quarterback of the last decade and the poise and decision making he has shown have been extraordinary.
This is certainly an important home game and would keep Jacksonville deep in the hunt for the AFC South. In a division that consistently beats itself up, a near .500 record may end up winning the division.
This is a big one folks.
The Jaguars have the AFC’s leading rusher and receiver
I’m not sure that this has ever occurred in Jaguars’ history, but currently, Leonard Fournette and DJ Chark sit atop the AFC in rushing and receiving, respectively. If it did, it would have been in the days of Fred Taylor and Jimmy Smith. It’s a new feeling for Duval County.
Fournette has come into this season with a tightened focus and revitalized explosiveness. He has looked quick and has been a game-changing back these last three weeks, having runs of 69, 81, and 48 yards in that time-frame. He looks like a different player and his production has been evidence of that, gaining 655 yards from scrimmage, good for third in the NFL.
Chark had a bit of a disappointing 2018 season as a rookie and gained a lot of flak for his lack of production, much like his former Louisiana State teammate, Fournette. Again, much like Fournette, he has also flipped the script and has looked phenomenal. Chark has caught a touchdown in four of his five games and his connection with Minshew has helped him lead the conference in both yards and touchdowns. New Orleans should be on the lookout for No. 17 whenever he steps onto the field.
No Brees, no problem
Saints fans grew worrisome that their season was lost when future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees went down with a thumb injury a few weeks ago. Teddy Bridgewater has stepped in and kept New Orleans in the lead of the NFC South in Brees’ absence. He has been accurate and has kept the ball away from the hands’ of the defense. Much like Minshew, he has made good decisions and led his team to several victories. The Jaguars’ pass-rush will have to hit home and create some turnovers to give the team the best shot to win. Make no mistake about it, however, Bridgewater can play.
