There is no rest for the weary as the Jacksonville Jaguars return home from their trip to London to take on Green Bay. Momentum is on their side following one of their best victories in over a year against the New England Patriots, 32-16.
Jacksonville looks to build upon last week’s impressive offensive showing. Seven games into the regular season, the Jaguars may have found their identity on both sides of the ball and they will be put to the test against a well-rounded Packers team that has won five games while losing only two by a combined seven points
Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at this week’s key matchups for the Jaguars against the Packers in Jacksonville below.
Jaguars defense vs. Packers QB Jordan Love
The Jaguars’ defense is still an issue, especially in pass coverage and their lack of diversity outside of Cover 1 and Cover 2 defenses. However, it seems the unit found its calling card in getting pressure on the quarterback.
Edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been excellent, with both finding a way to the quarterback consistently. That could pose an issue for the Packers, who rank 26th in time to throw at a 2.68-second average.
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s passer rating has dipped when pressured at 61.8 compared to his 114.3 passer rating when he isn’t. His EPA total (+38.4) and yard per attempt (9.3) take a nose-dive when blitzed to a -36.4 EPA and just under five yards per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats.
It is paramount that Jacksonville has success attacking the quarterback. The Jaguars’ rush flashed against a horrible Patriots offensive line and could find similar success this week in front of their home crowd.
It helps that Arik Armstead has begun to see more snaps at defensive tackle, which was noticeable a week ago with some of the interior pressure.
Should the Jaguars blitz at their highest rate since their blowout loss on Monday Night Football against Buffalo (31.4%), it will be crucial in a potential victory.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Packers defense
It’s been hard not to notice Trevor Lawrence’s improved play in the last three weeks. His 17-game average from those three games would have the former No. 1 overall selection shattering his single-season passing yards and touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.
A reason for his improved play leads back to an increase in play-action used by offensive coordinator Press Taylor and a new-found rushing attack led by…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Jaguars Wire…