So we are halfway through the schedule and this team has far exceeded my expectations. I saw about 5 wins coming from this team and obviously that’s already been met.
Offense: The Jags have forged their identity. Run the ball whenever they can. Keep 3rd downs to a short distance. Don’t turn the ball over. Run some misdirection to help clean up the loaded box. Simple, yet effective. They are 9th in the league in total offense despite their passing woes. And it’s not just Fournette. They done well in the two games he’s missed.
QB: Bortles has put together two good games now and in all has more positive games than negative. For this team to win, he needs to not turn it over and just manage the games. He’s been doing that for the most part. For me, the biggest step he’s made this year is his decision making. For the most part he’s showing pretty good awareness back there and that’s not something that can be said up until this year. He still needs to be replaced, but they are showing that they can at least win games with him back there.
O-Line: The play of the O-line has been outstanding. In past years, much of the sacks that were given up were on Bortles’ shoulders. They’ve protected well, even with the loss of their best lineman for 3 games and their LT and RG going down. Speaking of LT, I have no idea how on earth Cam Robinson fell to the 2nd round. The guy is an amazing upgrade over Beachum/Joeckel. He total solidified the line. Linder, Omameh, Shatley (Shatley?!), Cann, and Parnell have all played well.
RB: Obviously Leo Fournette is the goods and the team has a new identity due in large part to his presence. After his benching yesterday, I think he probably needs to focus on being a pro, but who knows what really happened. I hope this is a one time thing. He’s so physical, I do wonder how much pounding he can take/dish out. Ivory has been decent. Yeldon has played well in the limited time he’s played. He does need to hold on to the ball though.
WR: Marqise Lee and his two left hands seem to be always open. Wish he had better hands. I think this is his last year here and that Westbrook was drafted for this reason. Hurns continues to look average and the stats are reflective of that. There is something there with Keelan Cole. He’s completely raw, but if he takes steps forward, he can produce. Allen Robinson’s situation will be interesting to watch. In regard to his financial future, he really got hurt at the worst possible time. I’m hoping he’ll be back next year, at least on a one-year prove it deal. But some team might bet on AR and give him a long-term deal. I hope he’s back next year.
TE: Marcedes Lewis has played well this year. His value as a blocker is still there and he’d have a few more touchdowns if the passes weren’t off target. Lewis is the Jaguars longest tenured player and it’s time to draft his replacement next year.
K: So happy Meyers was cut. Lambo has been perfect thus far. He’ll miss some kicks, but I’m not holding my breath prior to every kick now.
Defense: This is the best defense in the league. I thought they’d be good, but OH LAAAWD. I did not expect the new additions to make such a difference. The pass defense is on another level. The run defense sits near the bottom of the league , but I am hoping that’s been addressed. There are a couple of fluke plays that have affected this, too. There’s room for improvement here too. Crazy.
LB: Telvin gets better and better every year. He deserves every penny of that extension. Myles Jack gets better every game it seems. SOOO much speed between these two. Poz is Poz at this point.
DB’s: Lord Ramsey rules these lands. And if it wasn’t for him, AJ Bouye would be the talk of the town. Another guy that’s worth every red cent. Gipson is playing well now that suck hole, wrong angle Johnathan Cyprien is polluting someone else’s defense. Barry Church is a perfect complement to this defense. So steady.
DL: DEEP, TALENTED. I have no words to describe what Calais Campbell has meant to this team. Even taking away his 11 (ELEVEN!) sacks, he’s positively affected the entire team with his leadership and work ethic. He’s been nothing short of amazing. Yannick Ngakoue is an ascending talent. DFJ has made bigger strides that many would have guessed prior to the season. Malik Jackson is quietly a force. I’m hoping Marcel Dareus can regain his form and help to shut down the run. It’s so fun to watch this unit hunt.
Coaching Staff: With the retaining of Marrone and most of the assistant coaches, the Jaguars basically blamed everything on Gus Bradley. Since Gus Bradley is the worst coach in NFL history, I’m going to agree. Marrone, while not a fan favorite around Orchard Park, has been solid in Duval. He wanted a tough team and he’s made them into a tough team. BTW, I agree with the benching of Fournette yesterday. He has to establish control, especially with newcomer Marcell Dareus coming in. Todd was has done what all good coaches do- He’s adapted his scheme to his players. That’s a new one around here. Nathaniel Hackett is running the type of offense that the team wants to run and has mixed it up fairly well. I’m hoping special teams don’t cost any more games.
WIN LUNCH
Let's go Jags 
