JACKSONVILLE – They have been close – really close. Which isn’t enough.
The Jaguars are 2-4 and in third place in the AFC South entering their home game against the New York Giants Sunday. The reason they’re not 3-3 or 4-2 – or better – is clear, as Head Coach Doug Pederson sees it.
They haven’t made enough clutch plays at big moments.
“The No. 1 thing we have to focus on is us and make sure we make plays in the fourth quarter,” Pederson said as the Jaguars prepared to play the New York Giants (5-1) at TIAA Bank Field Sunday at 1 p.m. “We haven’t done that well enough this year – or consistent enough.”
Sunday’s game in that sense is a study in contrasts.
The Giants – one of the NFL’s surprise teams – have won all five of their victories by a score or less. They have trailed in all five victories, rallying three times from 10 or more points. The Jaguars’ four losses all have been by a score or less. They have led in all four games and led by double digits in three of the losses.
“We’re right there, and I’m kind of tired of being right there,” Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins said. “I want to turn that corner. I understand, ‘Hey, we’re right there,’ but this team was always right there. It’s time to get over that hurdle. It’s time to take that next step.
“When the ball comes your way, make the play. That’s what it is. It’s a performance-based league. That’s how we win those situations late in games: We have to have somebody step up and make a play.”
The Jaguars in three of their losses – Week 1 at Washington, Week 4 at Philadelphia and Week 5 against Houston – had possession in the final two minutes with time to drive for a winning/tying score and failed to do so. They took possession trailing by seven in loss at Indianapolis this past Sunday with :17 remaining.
The Jaguars in three losses – at Washington, against Houston and at Indianapolis – allowed a touchdown in the final four minutes to give the opponent the final margin of victory.
“That’s kind of…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…