Jacksonville Jaguars keys to victory vs. Los Angeles Chargers Week 11
The Jacksonville Jaguars look to get back in the win column this week against the Chargers. Here’s the Times-Union’s breakdown on what needs to happen.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 35-6, improving their record to 6-4.Jacksonville’s offense was efficient, utilizing a strong rushing attack to gain 192 yards on the ground.Pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen set a new franchise record for career sacks with his 56th sack.
Apparently, a 29-point lead is good enough.
At least it was for Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh when he pulled starting quarterback Justin Herbert for backup Trey Lance in the fourth quarter, down 35-6.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) entered Sunday’s game against the Chargers (7-4) with plenty of reason to show up.
The team’s demoralizing loss to the Houston Texans last week didn’t carry over. They started and ended the game with aggressiveness and speed to get back in the win column, defeating Los Angeles 35-6.
The Jaguars did so by winning time of possession and taking advantage of Los Angeles’ mistakes. The Jaguars held the football for over half an hour and that was with 11 minutes remaining on the clock.
Jacksonville’s win gives them the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Chargers, which could be significant when it determining postseason tiebreakers.
Jaguars offense efficient, creative despite turnover
While most observers had low expectations heading into Sunday’s game, particularly with the team’s offense, the Jaguars weren’t denied early in the contest.
Through two quarters, Jacksonville led, 14-6. The Jaguars’ success came from efficient passing, and, primarily, an effective rushing attack. Through the first half, the Jaguars rushed for 83 yards on 15 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and two touchdowns — one apiece for Bhayshul Tuten and Travis Etienne.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 6 of 11 passes for 67 yards and an interception. Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson picked off Lawrence’s pass intended for Tim Patrick on the team’s third drive of the game.
The Jaguars converted both red zone opportunities into touchdowns with 153 total net yards. Lawrence was not sacked or hit during the first half after being sacked five or more times in three of the last four games of the season.
The Jaguars continued playing efficient football in the second half.
Lawrence finished the game, completing 14 of 22 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown and an interception before being pulled with the game out of hand.
Jacksonville finished with a 50% conversion rate on third down, but were 5 of 7 at one point in the contest and they converted 3 of 5 of their fourth downs. The Jaguars finished with 345 total net yards, including 192 total net yards rushing and 153 total net yards passing.
Jaguars defense adjusts nicely after first-half injuries vs. Chargers
Jacksonville entered Sunday’s game with multiple defenders out due to injury, including safety Eric Murray (neck) and CB Jourdan Lewis (neck). During the game, starting corner Greg Newsome II injured his right ankle during the first quarter and did not return.
Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker injured his knee during the first half and was ruled questionable to return. He returned to the locker room at halftime before returning to the field, riding the exercise bike.
In his place, the team used a combination of rookies Danny Striggow and BJ Green. Striggow tallied a half-sack during the first half.
Both players showed good in rushes, though Green was called for a personal foul after spearing Herbert late in the second quarter. The Chargers were forced to punt after attempting to go for it on the play.
Jacksonville held the Chargers to a 38% third-down conversion rate and 100 total net yards during the first half. Herbert completed 9 of 15 passes for 81 yards, but the Chargers couldn’t muster much on the ground with 37 net rushing yards. Herbert finished the game 10 of 18 for 81 yards and an interception.
The Chargers converted just 25% (3 of 12) of their third downs and totaled just 135 net yards, including 93 net passing yards and 42 net rushing yards.
Tuten brings life back to Jaguars run game
While Etienne wasn’t a slouch against the Chargers, it was Tuten, the rookie running back who led the team in rushing, slicing through LA’s defense.
When the fourth quarter began, Tuten was clearly the hot hand, playing the majority of the team’s running back snaps on early downs. He had 14 carries for 69 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and a touchdown.
Tuten has looked explosive for Jacksonville this year, giving the team a real speed threat for opposing teams to deal with.
Tuten was injured at the start of the fourth quarter.
Thanks in part to the team’s ground attack, Jacksonville led time of possession by a large margin entering the fourth quarter. They held the ball for 27:50 compared to 18:03 for the Chargers.
Josh Hines-Allen breaks career franchise sack record
After being in a position to break the record through nine games this season, Jaguars pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen finally did it on Sunday against the Chargers, getting to Herbert once during the first half.
Hines-Allen now holds the team’s franchise record for career sacks with 56 total sacks since being drafted with the seventh-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Hines-Allen entered the season needing just three sacks to break the record.
Hines-Allen tied the record during the team’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9.
The Jaguars will return to the road next week to face off against the Arizona Cardinals.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius.
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