Why the Jags will be toast.

[Kray007]

In the last couple of weeks, Jacksonville has moved up the power rankings, settling in at number 7 at NFL.com and 10 at ESPN.

It is, largely an illusion, fueled by a quirk of scheduling that saw them play back to back weeks in London. Anytime the Jaguars take the field in London, they have a huge advantage, simply because the league has seen fit to make a London trip a regular staple in Jacksonville’s schedule. For the Jags, there’s no learning curve, nothing about playing in England is unfamiliar to them. It’s the biggest home field advantage in the league. Last Sunday’s game was an abomination. Jacksonville stayed in London while the Bills flew in on Friday. Then, the game was played at 8:30 am, Buffalo time.

The first game in Indianapolis saw Jacksonville come away with a 10 point win, but the game was closer than the final score indicated. This time, even though the game is in Florida, the Colts are much improved.

Gardner Minshew will never be confused with Anthony Richardson, but he’s a solid talent. Week 1’s game was Richardson’s baptism by fire. He didn’t embarrass himself, but winning was always going to be difficult for a rookie making his first start.

Minshew might not light up the field, but he doesn’t have to. In week1, the Colts running attack was led by two nonentities in Jake Funk and Evan Hull. This time, they have Zack Moss, the 3rd leading rusher in the league and Jonathan Taylor.

In addition, Josh Downs is emerging as a legit weapon, averaging almost 17 yards per reception over the past two games. Toss in Michael Pittman and an unsung group of Tight Ends who seem able to make plays when needed, and you can see that the Offense has serious talent

Especially when you toss in an OL ranked 4th best in the league. The injury to Braden Smith is concerning, and I’m pretty sure that the Jags will try to take advantage of it with Josh Allen. But, Allen is the only defender in Jacksonville who gives you the willies.

Trevor Lawrence is a very nice Quarterback, and Calvin Ridley is a force. But the absence of Zay Jones makes the job easier for the Defense.

The bottom line is that this is a 3-2 team that was gifted two wins.