WATFORD, United Kingdom – We're back to talking pride.
The Jaguars on Sunday will play the New England Patriots (1-5) in a 2024 Week 7 game at Wembley Stadium in London, and it's very much a pride game for both teams – perhaps particularly for the Jaguars.
They're 1-5 when more was expected. A lot more.
They have struggled mightily defensively in three of four games.
They have spent a week overseas following a one-sided loss to the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London last Sunday answering questions about culture, fragility and quit – and if those topics don't get you playing for pride, few topics will.
The Jaguars' '24 postseason hopes aren't dead. It's still too early in the season for that, with 11 games remaining. But they're faint enough that talking about them has drifted past silliness into stubbornness.
No, the only way for the Jaguars to make postseason talk seem somewhat serious is to win. And win again. And win again. And maybe even win once more. That's possible because anything's possible, but it's only possible if they beat the Patriots Sunday.
Here are 10 things the Jaguars must do to beat the Patriots in Week 7:
- Pressure Maye. Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye looked good at times and inconsistent at others times his first NFL start last week – a loss to the Houston Texans. As is always the case when playing against a rookie quarterback, pressure is paramount. Jaguars defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen have gotten relatively consistent pressure on quarterbacks this season. They need help from the interior to disrupt Maye Sunday.
- Catch the ball. The Jaguars lead the NFL in dropped passes since the beginning of quarterback Trevor Lawrence's career in 2021. That's a long-term statistic that's difficult to quantify. Jaguars wide receivers dropped four touchdown passes against the Bears. That's easy to quantify, and it's something that much change if the Jaguars are to win Sunday.
- Keep at it. This is about Lawrence, who has played his two best games of the season the past two weeks. He played one of his best career games in a 37-34 Week 5 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and played more than well enough to win against the Bears. He must maintain that trend.
- Stop the run. The Bears ran too easily for the last three quarters last Sunday. The Patriots are most effective when they're running well and setting up play action. If the Patriots run consistently Sunday they'll be too much into what they want to do and the Jaguars will be in trouble.
- Be resilient. The Jaguars dominated the first quarter against the Bears, gaining six first downs to none for Chicago. Once the Bears got their footing in the second quarter, the game felt over. That feeling was right – and a bad sign for this Jaguars team. One punch can't end the fight in the NFL.
- Big players must make key plays. This has been said enough about the Jaguars dating to late last season that it has gotten tiresome. This familiar refrain nonetheless remains the defining refrain to this 2024 season. Who will step up and will this team to a victory? No one yet. Until someone does, the losses will continue.
- Force turnovers. The Jaguars' defense through six games has forced two turnovers. That the two turnovers have come in the last two games is a good sign. But more is needed in this vein.
- Play smart. When Head Coach Doug Pederson was outlining what needs to be the Jaguars' identity this week, being a smarter team was one of his main foundation pieces. With reason. The Jaguars have committed too many penalties and turnovers this season, which has led to too many bad down-and-distance situations on offense and too many extended drives on defense. That's losing football.
- Protect the ball. The Jaguars for the most part have been good here this season, but tight end Evan Engram's lost fumble on the drive of the second half was a killer against the Bears.
- Prove them wrong. Who's them? Pretty much everyone. The 2024 Jaguars were built to win this season. They instead have lost three games in frustrating fashion and two in blowout fashion. Such a start erodes observers' confidence. It's up to the Jaguars to rebuild it.
Still working. Jaguars are in London preparing for Week 7 against the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium. 🇬🇧
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back Jake Funk (36) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (2) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Shawn Bowman (49) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offensive quality control coach Jamel Mutunga during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars linebacker Tanner Muse (55) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars special teams coordinator Heath Farwell during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars assistant general manager Ethan Waugh during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end coach Richard Angulo walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back Jake Funk (36) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and running back Tank Bigsby (4) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence walks to practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defense during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars kicker Cam Little (39) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Joe Gaziano (97) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at The Grove on October 17, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (76) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offense during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end D.J. Coleman (54) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith (94) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars linebacker Caleb Johnson (57) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offensive linemen Anton Harrison (77) and Brandon Scherff (68) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Zechariah McPhearson (34) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Joe Gaziano (97) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell (86) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Shawn Bowman (49) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars cornerback Tyler Hall (40) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (68) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks (14) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Josiah Deguara (81) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Josiah Deguara (81) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (15) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (7) and Gabe Davis (0) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars running back Jake Funk (36) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
Watford, U.K. — Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) during practice at The Grove on October 16, 2024.
