Without the benefit of takeaways, the slumping Jaguars look a lot like last year’s team

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — It’s clear now that Jacksonville’s 4-1 start was more of a fluke than the foundation for a franchise turnaround.

The Jaguars (4-3) are essentially the same as last year, a team with inconsistent quarterback play, a porous offensive line, little pass rush and a secondary that’s getable whenever and wherever. There’s even an argument that the Jags have regressed because of receiver Brian Thomas Jr.’s issues.

“I’ve got to look at the whole thing, ultimately,” coach Liam Coen said. “But not going to stand up here and blame these players. It starts with me.”

Jacksonville thrived over the first five weeks because of a league-leading 14 takeaways. The defense notched at least three in each of its first four games, leading to short fields, easy points and early leads. New offensive and defensive schemes probably helped, too.

But once the takeaways dried up, the results have been eye-opening: a 20-12 loss to Seattle in which the Jaguars were handled on both lines of scrimmage and a 35-7 drubbing to the Los Angeles Rams in London that was a complete debacle.

Outschemed. Outmuscled. Outplayed. Outcoached.

“We got to get better,” quarterback Trevor Lawrence said. “Obviously, we haven’t played our best football, offensively, the last couple of weeks. There are things we need to clean up, but everyone has to take that approach of what can you fix and be better for your teammates.”

The biggest concern: The Jaguars believed they had an identity of being smart and physical on both sides of the ball. But they have been neither the last two weeks.

With a bye week ahead, the Jags will try to figure out what can be corrected before a November slate that begins at Las Vegas (2-5) on Nov. 2 and includes four road games over five Sundays.

“We’ve got to look at personnel in all three phrases, how we’re utilizing it, how we aren’t utilizing it and where do we need to use guys more, use guys less,” Coen said. “It’s all going to get evaluated.”

What’s working

Lawrence is playing turnover-free football. After committing six turnovers — five interceptions and a fumble — in the first five games, he has protected the ball well in consecutive games. It’s only the second time in his last 38 starts that he’s gone back-to-back games without a turnover.

What needs help

Penalties continue to plague the Jaguars, who were flagged 13 times for 119 yards — both season highs — against the Rams. They simply don’t have the margin for error to overcome that many self-inflicted setbacks. They have been penalized 83 times in seven games and had 18 more declined, both tops in the league.

Stock up

Rookie two-way star Travis Hunter had a career day while playing mostly on offense. He caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, the first of his pro career. The second pick in the 2025 NFL draft was targeted 14 times — he got more snaps than Thomas — and could emerge as the team’s No. 1 option moving forward.

Stock down

Thomas dropped two more passes against the Rams, bringing his season total to eight. He has short-armed at least three more attempts thrown over the middle. … Jacksonville’s offensive line, which allowed six sacks in the team’s first five games, gave up seven for the second consecutive week. … Cam Little missed a 50-yard field goal, his fifth errant kick of the season. … Safety Andrew Wingard could be benched at the bye after another rough outing.

Injuries

S Eric Murray (neck), LB Devin Lloyd (wrist), WR Tim Patrick (groin) and TE Quintin Morris (groin) should be good to go after the bye.

Key number

4 — Number of trades the Jaguars have made over the last two months, shipping out CB Tyson Campbell, RB Tank Bigsby, OT Fred Johnson and C Luke Fortner. More could be in store for Jacksonville’s new regime with the trade deadline two weeks away.

Next steps

Developing a sustainable identity is paramount for Coen & Co.

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