JACKSONVILLE – Urban Meyer likes some things he has seen so far this season.
He also wants to see something else.
The Jaguars' head coach mentioned what he likes so far about the 2021 Jaguars during his Wednesday media session, elements that includes good locker-room chemistry and a healthy team because of front-line sports performance program. Meyer also mentioned what is needed now.
"A spark," he said Wednesday as the Jaguars (0-2) prepared to play for perhaps their toughest test of the season to date, the Arizona Cardinals (2-0) at TIAA Bank Field Sunday at 1 p.m.
Meyer then explained what he meant by spark:
"A spark is a great player making a great play. How do you do that? It's called competitive excellence. You do it in practice. You work it. You work to put the players in those positions. We've all witnessed it."
Meyer said the Jaguars were close to early sparks in a 23-13 loss to the Denver Broncos at TIAA Bank Field this past Sunday and noted that wide receiver/returner Jamal Agnew provided a spark – albeit too late – with a 102-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter that cut the lead to the final margin.
Meyer listed more possibilities: A sack-fumble, an interception, a big third-down reception.
"When that happens, that's when the rock breaks," he said.
With the Jaguars having lost a franchise-record 17 consecutive games, Meyer – who took over as head coach in January – was asked if finding a spark was difficult with many players having been with the team throughout the streak.
"We're all working through it," Meyer said. "It's hard. It's really, really hard. I knew it was going to be hard. But my focus is on what? I'm not worried about what happened last year or the year before? I'm worried about the locker room.
“How’s our locker room going? Our locker room is fantastic. How’s the chemistry on the team? Fantastic. How is the relationship among the coaches? Fantastic. They’re working their you-know-whats off. That’s all I’m concerned about.” Head Coach Urban Meyer
Also Wednesday:
- Meyer reiterated what he said Monday following the Denver game – that the Jaguars' offensive line played well against a good pass-rushing team. "I think we can play better, but I'm pleased with them," Meyer said of a unit that has allowed one sack in each of the first two games. "We controlled the line of scrimmage. We just have to run the ball more consistently, but pass protection for two weeks has been very solid. That was the No. 1 goal back in January when we made the decision to draft a No. 1 quarterback (rookie Trevor Lawrence), keep him upright. For the most part, we've kept him upright." …
- Cornerback CJ Henderson is questionable this week with a groin injury, Meyer said. The Jaguars on Wednesday signed veteran cornerback Nevin Lawson, placing tight end James O'Shaughnessy on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Meyer also said cornerback Tre Herndon, who has missed the first two games with a medial collateral ligament injury, is questionable. …
- Meyer also said wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (shoulder) and guard A.J. Cann (hamstring) should play Sunday after sustaining injuries against Denver. …
WEEK 3 · Sun 09/26 · 1:00 PM EDT
