JACKSONVILLE – This is a time when the cliché makes sense.
Head Coach Doug Pederson this week talked about needing to go 1-0 this week – and if that sounds very much like Coach Speak, it's still very much what the Jaguars must do.
That's because looking ahead is daunting stuff for the Jaguars these days.
The Jaguars (2-5) enter Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers (5-2) at EverBank Stadium needing to win more than a few of the next five games get into contention in the second half of the season. That's a tall task.
That's because all five of those games – the Packers, at the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2), home against the Minnesota Vikings (5-1), at the Detroit Lions (5-1) and home against the Houston Texans (5-2) –are against contending teams with strong records.
No, the Jaguars can't worry about winning three or four games Sunday. That mindset will make the month ahead too much. They must worry about winning one game against a very good opponent. If they do, it would be their most impressive victory of the season. It also would give them a chance to give themselves a chance as October turns into November.
Here are 10 things they must do to make that happen:
- Run. An offseason focus on the area has resulted in Jaguars improving from 23rd in rushing yards per game in 2023 to 12th in 2024. They're not yet a power running team, but they're better – and they must function well here for the offense to be effective.
- Get Tank loose. This is an addendum to No. 1. Second-year running back Tank Bigsby is emerging as one of the Jaguars' best two or three offensive playmakers. He has a productive blend of speed and power. When he succeeds, this offense has life.
- Feed BTJ. When the Jaguars are effective offensively, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as often as not is involved. He seems to make at least one play above the Xs and Os a game. Above the Xs and Os plays change games – and Thomas is the Jaguars' best game-changer. His task now will be to learn how to handle double teams and shaded defenses. The Jaguars must still get him opportunities in those situations.
- Protect the ball. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has dramatically reduced his giveaways this season, committing three through seven games after committing 60 in his first three seasons. That improvement will be tested Sunday. The Packers lead the NFL with 17 takeaways.
- Force two takeaways. That's a big ask for a defense that has produced just two takeaways in seven games. But if the Jaguars are to start beating good teams they must improve in some significant areas. This area may be No. 1 on the list. Packers quarterback Jordan Love has been interception-prone at times this season. The Jaguars must take advantage of that.
- Get off the edge. The Jaguars aren't getting significant pressure from their interior pass rush. That puts a lot of pressure on edge defenders Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen to get pressure. But the reality is if the Jaguars don't affect opposing quarterbacks on the edge, they're probably not going to disrupt offenses enough to win.
- Be aware. The Packers are among the NFL's most-balanced, effective offenses – incorporating a lot of misdirections and end arounds. If the Jaguars' defense isn't aware and alert Sunday, the Packers' speed will be tough to beat.
- Focus on the now. There was a lot of talk around EverBank Field this week about repeating 2022, when the Jaguars overcame a slow start to make the postseason. That's still in play. But the Jaguars must win Sunday to make the next few games matter.
- Protect. The Jaguars' offensive line has been very good in recent weeks, allowing no sacks in a Week 5 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and doing the same in a victory over the New England Patriots this past Sunday. It's not realistic for the Jaguars to always allow no sacks, but this line must keep Lawrence relatively clean.
- Play their best game of the season. The Packers are ascending and starting to play well this season. The Jaguars will need to play better than they did against the Colts and Patriots to win Sunday. That's OK. If you're going to contend for the playoffs, you're supposed to be able to play well – and beat – good teams.
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Back at home 🏠 Jaguars prepare at the Miller Electric Center this week to face the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Stadium on Sunday! Swipe through some top shots.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (2) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Jake Funk (36) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9), long snapper Ross Matiscik (46), and special teams coordinator Heath Farwell during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars assistant defensive line coach Rory Segrest during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (2) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Anthony Pittman (53) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running backs coach Jerry Mack and running back Tank Bigsby (4) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Tanner Muse (55) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Caleb Johnson (57) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Anthony Pittman (53) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Caleb Johnson (57) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebackers during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Yasir Abdullah (56) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (15) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars kicker Cam Little (39) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Yasir Abdullah (56) and outside linebackers coach Bill Shuey during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars kicker Cam Little (39) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on October 23, 2024.
