The Jacksonville Jaguars certainly under-performed in Week 9’s matchup against their in-division rivals, the Houston Texans. Gardner Minshew II and the offense weren’t able to get much going as the Jags only totaled three points on the day. The Jags’ defense tried to keep it close for as long as they could, but even they had their issues, giving up 216 yards on the ground.
In a disappointing final game heading into the bye, here are your Week 9 winners and losers.
Winners
Nick Foles
Nick Foles certainly is in a better situation following the Jaguars’ stagnant offensive performance. Minshew and the offense were unable to move the ball all game and this performance certainly helps Foles’ case for being named the Week 11 starter.
This saga will be one to keep an extremely close eye on as it could decide the fate of the season. Nonetheless, Nick Foles certainly is a winner. If coach Doug Marrone decides to go with the veteran, the Jaguars may shape up to be a more consistent football team, but after the last eight starts from Minshew, it will no doubt be a tough decision.
Keelan Cole
Keelan Cole has been one of the most scrutinized players in the last year on this Jaguars team. Many thought he could be on the chopping block when the final roster was compiled, however, he was one of the few bright spots Sunday.
Cole led the Jags in receiving against the Texans with five catches for 80 yards and has come along nicely in recent weeks. With Dede Westbrook dealing with a shoulder/neck injury, Cole filled in his shoes to the best of his ability. While it was to no avail, Cole’s last couple games have been certifiably encouraging for the young receiver as he’s been both a source for offensive movement and scoring.
Losers
Gardner Minshew II
Minshew no doubt had his worst game as a Jaguar Sunday. He generally kept the ball out of the opposition’s hands until playing hero ball late in the game, which led to him turning the ball over in three consecutive drives in the fourth quarter. Add in the struggles of the receivers, who had several drops, the Jags’ lack of controlling the clock and Fournette’s lackluster day, and it’s quite simple to see why the Jags struggled.
Minshew needed a strong performance to secure his spot as the Week 11 starter, but he failed to do so. The decision at quarterback will likely be made after the bye week, but it may not be an easy decision for Marrone and company. However, it could come down to the experience Foles has as a late season quarterback.
Jags’ D-Line
Jacksonville was coming off a strong Week 8 stomping of the New York Jets, where they sacked Jets quarterback Sam Darnold on eight occasions. This week, “Sacksonville” missed several opportunities to bring Deshaun Watson down.
Calais Campbell recorded the only sack on the day, but aside from that, Watson was able to elude tacklers and have his way with the Jags’ secondary. If the Jaguars want to keep up in the competitive AFC playoff race, the team will have to be more consistent as a whole, especially their talented and experienced defensive line.
LB Myles Jack
Myles Jack certainly disappointed in the Jaguars’ loss against the Texans. Jack was chasing the Texans’ skill players all game and never seemed to find himself. Duke Johnson was Houston’s leading receiver with five receptions for 68 yards, and Carlos Hyde broke open the gates of the Jacksonville defense, rushing for 160 yards on 19 carries.
The linebacking corps has been beaten and banged up, and a lot has been put on Jack’s plate, but the newly signed franchise linebacker’s play just has to improve if Jacksonville is to have success. Simply put, Jack is the leader of the defense and he will have to limit these sorts of games in the future.
