JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2024 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 12-7 Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Stadium.

BIG IMPRESSION

• For the sixth time this season, the Jaguars lost a one-score game that could have easily added another "W" in the win column. Against the Vikings, they squandered a solid defensive effort that featured three turnovers and an effective game plan that neutralized the NFL's top receiver (Justin Jefferson) for four quarters. Though the defense surrendered significant yardage, the unit eliminated "explosive" plays from the Vikings' offense and tested the patience and discipline of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell utilizing an umbrella zone. With the Vikings' high-powered offense under wraps for most of the day, the Jaguars were able to stay in the game despite receiving minimal contributions from an offense led by backup quarterback Mac Jones.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• The Jaguars' inability to take advantage of a solid defensive performance resulted in another loss at The 'Bank. Despite coming up with three turnovers, the Jaguars could not muster enough offense to seize control of the game. After executing a picture-perfect scoring drive in the first quarter, the Jaguars could not move the ball against an ultra-aggressive Vikings' defense. Whether attempting to run or pass, the Jaguars were overwhelmed by the relentless pressure and barrage of blitzes. Without the offense holding up its end of the bargain, the Jaguars' complementary football approach fell apart when the defense collapsed in the fourth quarter due to physical and mental fatigue.

MAC'S SHOW

• Jones, the No. 15 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, had a chance to be a "hometown hero" in his first start for the Jaguars. Unfortunately, the plan did not go according to script, with Jones completing 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards with a rushing touchdown and three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble). Given the impact and importance of turnovers, Jones' miscues crushed the Jaguars' chances of knocking off an NFC heavyweight. While his errors are correctable and a part of the process for a young player still adjusting to his role as backup after starting his career as a potential franchise quarterback, Jones must play better for the Jaguars to win utilizing a complementary football approach.

UNSUNG HERO

• Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd might have played the best game of his career against the Vikings. The third-year pro finished with 16 total tackles, exhibiting the range, physicality and toughness the Jaguars have been waiting to see from the former first-rounder. As the Jaguars continue to rotate linebackers in and out of the lineup to keep the unit fresh and ready to hunt, Lloyd's impressive performance should earn him more playing time down the stretch.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars' offensive struggles continue with the unit's dismal showing against the Vikings. After accounting for just 143 yards of total offense and ten first downs, the Jaguars must acknowledge their ongoing struggles with or without franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the lineup. The unit has been unable to consistently run the ball or get the ball into the hands of its top playmakers to extend drives or score points. Given the poor performance and meager production, Head Coach Doug Pederson and the staff must return to the drawing board to fix a broken offense that has struggled for most of the season.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The stat sheet does not reflect how well the Jaguars' defense performed against the Vikings. The unit kept the team in the game by executing a "bend but don't break" plan that conceded yards but eliminated big plays and neutralized Jefferson. The Jaguars took away the deep ball and forced the Vikings to drive the field on a collection of "dink-and-dunk" passes and short runs by featuring an umbrella coverage with a two-high shell. Though they surrendered 400-plus yards, the Jaguars made timely plays in the red zone, forcing Darnold into an erratic performance that kept the team in the game.