The 5-2 Jacksonville Jaguars take on the 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers
After a ten day rest between games thanks to having to play on a Thursday night the Jacksonville Jaguars head to Acrisure Stadium to go head to head with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are the five keys to this game for Jacksonville.
The Health of Trevor Lawrence
First and foremost the sprained knew of the franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence is something to watch, hopefully the extra days off have helped heal the sprained knee which, I can’t even say hampered Lawrence, but certainly led to concerns. Against a very aggressive defense in the Steelers which features one of the best pass rushers alive in T.J. Watt, another pass rusher in Alex Highsmith and a safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick who isn’t afraid to come down into the box and blitz, challenge the quarterbacks throwing lanes.
Forcing Kenny Pickett to Beat Them
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the 4th ranked defense against the run, that alongside their 31st ranking against the pass makes it quite clear that it is through the air where perhaps Pittsburgh can find some success. Pickett however is the 36th ranked passer. Pittsburgh isn’t going to be able to simply pound the rock and find success against a stout front from the Duval Wall. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris. If Pickett makes mistakes the ball could easily come right back to the Jags. This is a defense that’s forced 16 turnovers (9 interceptions and 7 fumbles) and has two players in their secondary tied for second in the league with 3 interceptions (CB Darious Williams and S Andre Cisco) only Baltimore safety Geno Stone has more. If the pressure can cause Pickett to throw the ball into danger I suspect the secondary can take the film right away.
Travis Etienne MUST Run Wild
Throughout time immemorial the Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for a hard nosed rushing attack and a defense that is equally stone like. This season neither has been there in spades as is the norm. So I am of the belief that the NFL’s leader in rushing attempts (151) will get a nice workload. Getting over 3.8 (his current average) per carry will be paramount to beating the Steelers and slowing down their notoriously good pass rush. Moreover it is Etienne’s 3 consecutive 2 touchdown games (a Jaguars record) that have been a huge part of the Jaguars 4 game win streak. If he can do it once again he’d tie LaDainian Tomlinson’s record of 4 straight multiple touchdown games. I’m just saying LT won MVP that year (2006) on route to setting the NFL record of 28 rushing touchdowns. I’m also not saying Etienne will do this, or even touch this record. What I am saying and what is important for THIS game is that Travis go crazy and get his yards, get his touches, and put that football in the endzone.
Win the Turnover Battle
This is something the Jaguars have done better than any team in the NFL. They lead the NFL with 16 turnovers and during their win streak they’ve been able to convert those into points. Last week against the Saints they forced an interception of Derek Carr off of a tipped pass and the leader of their defense Foyesade Oloukun took it all the way for a touchdown. The week previous they turned 5 turnovers into 21 points against a shorthanded Indianapolis Colts offense. Making the homecoming of Gardner Minshew II less than hospitable. Pickett will give you the ball the defense just has to go ahead and take it. With a secondary full of ball hawks in Darious Williams, Andre Cisco (3 picks each), Tyson Campbell and Rayshawn Jenkins (1 pick each) have made life terrible for quarterbacks looking to throw far down the field. Make Pickett launch it. That’s a definite key to victory for the Jaguars.
Get Healthy!
There are some substantial injuries on this team right now. #2 receiver Zay Jones, Swing lineman Walker Little, and CB Tyson Campbell chief among them. Additionally Devon Hamilton the big guy in the middle at DT hasn’t been seen all season and it is his presence that I think more than anything would help the so-so pass rush breakthrough with more sacks and less pressures. His ability to blow up the pocket and force quarterbacks to either the left or right really makes a difference. Angelo Blackson has played a very nice role in his fill-in spot (especially when it comes to recovering fumbles) getting Hamilton back is a huge difference maker.
What are some keys for you guys? Feel free to tag me in your takes on X @willeguizabal maybe gimme a follow. For more news and expectations on these Big Cats thats the best way to find me.
