Jacksonville Jaguars’ bold predictions before game vs. Raiders
The Florida Times-Union breaks down what could happen in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders both come off of bye weeks after being soundly defeated right before their breaks.
The Jaguars lost to the Los Angeles Rams 35-7. The Raiders were shut out by the Kansas City Chiefs 31-0.
This is a pivitol game for the Jaguars. If they want to show they are contenders, they need to win on the road. A loss will drop them to 4-4 while on a three-game losing streak.
In both Raiders victories, Las Vegas scored just 20 points (20-13 vs. Patriots and 20-10 vs. Titans). In their five losses, they average giving up 31 points.
The Jaguars need to establish a run game, protect Trevor Lawrence, cut down on penalties and receivers can’t have drops. (Sounds easy, right?).
Let’s see what our experts think of this game after collectively going 5-2 by choosing the Rams in London.
DEMETRIUS HARVEY
Jaguars beat writer
Jaguars 24, Raiders 10
This is a classic get-right game for the Jaguars and will once again prove they aren’t the same team as they have been. To be clear, though, this game will not make or break the season or determine whether they make the playoffs.
Season: 6-1 (Won last time)
MIKE DiROCCO
ESPN
Jaguars 17, Raiders 16
Liam Coen wants balance back in his offense, but to do that the Jaguars have to cut down on penalties (they lead the NFL with 48 called and 37 accepted offensive penalties) to avoid having too many third-and-longs. If that happens, expect a big game from Travis Etienne Jr.
Season: 3-4 (Won last time)
RYAN O’HALLORAN
Times-Union Sports columnist
Jaguars 27, Raiders 20
Everything has been too difficult for the Jaguars’ offense during their two-game losing streak. Bad down-and-distances. Too many penalties. Dropped passes. Poor throws. Pass protection breakdowns. Not much of a run game.
One play that worked well in training camp that has mostly fizzled this year has been the screen pass. The Jaguars have managed only two chunk plays on screens — a 24-yard gain by running back Bhayshul Tuten at Cincinnati in Week 2 and a 22-yard gain by tight end Brenton Strange against Kansas City in Week 5.
“It’s definitely something we have to get going,” said right tackle Anton Harrison, who estimated the Jaguars have at least 12 different screen passes.
Said center Robert Hainsey: “As important as it to run and throw the ball well and protect, the screen is a full phase of our offense.”
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence ranks 28th in completion percentage (58.7%) and 24th in yards per attempt (6.3). He needs a “push button” play (low-risk/high-reward) to get the offense going in general and him going in particular. Plus, it would potentially cool down the Raiders’ pass rush led by Maxx Crosby.
I wouldn’t use receivers Brian Thomas Jr., or Travis Hunter on tunnel-type screens — those quick, down-the-line-of-scrimmage throws leave them open to big hits. Get them downfield so, if the screen game clicks, it could open things up downfield.
In a gotta-get-it game for the Jaguars, running back Travis Etienne makes big plays as a rusher and receiver.
Season: 5-2 (Won last time)
GARRY SMITS
Times-Union Sports reporter
Jaguars 23, Raiders 10
I love this as a bounce-back game for the Jags, coming off two losses in a row, the bye week and the nation questioning their toughness, after being praised for it the first five weeks. The Raiders are bad but this will be a test for the Jags’ new regime: Can you win the games you absolutely should win?
Season: 3-4 (Lost last time)
JUSTON LEWIS
Times-Union Sports reporter
Jaguars 30, Raiders 13
Expecting a bounce-back win after the bye week. If they don’t get it done against a team that was essentially given the NFL’s version of a mercy rule in their last outing, I don’t know when they’ll win again.
Season: 3-4 (Lost last time)
CLAYTON FREEMAN
Times-Union Sports reporter
Jaguars 20, Raiders 13
The Jaguars have their issues, but they’re in better shape than the Raiders and their 31st-ranked offense. It’s a prime opportunity for the Jacksonville defense to shift back into takeaway mode as well.
Season: 3-4 (Won last time)
TIM WALTERS
Times-Union Sports Editor
Jaguars 27, Raiders 16
The Jaguars get back on the turnover train by picking off Geno Smith at least once, if not twice. The offense will cut down on foolish penalties and Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter will connect for two toucdowns as the Jaguars get back to their winning ways.
Season: 4-3 (Won last time)