JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2023 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville

BIG IMPRESSION

• Despite reducing the miscues and miscommunications that have plagued the defense throughout the season, the Jaguars faltered against the Ravens due to a series of self-inflicted offensive errors that kept points off the scoreboard. Moreover, the offense's fumbles, pre-snap penalties and clock-management gaffes crushed the momentum created by a solid overall performance from the defense and special teams. In a competitive contest against the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Jaguars gave the game away with a handful of high school-like mistakes in crucial moments.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• The Jaguars failed to take advantage of their opportunities in the first half with a pair of missed field goals, a fumble and a clock-management error – costing the team 12 potential points. Although the Jaguars had chances in the second half to change the game's momentum with a big play or a key stop, the inability to cash in those scoring opportunities crushed the team's confidence. In addition, the egregious turnovers, clock-management gaffes and pre-snap penalties (false starts) led to a "here-we-go-again" attitude that undermined the positive efforts of a squad that played hard enough to knock off an AFC heavyweight at home.

TREVOR'S TIME

• The Jaguars' franchise quarterback did not put forth his best effort in a primetime performance against Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a former NFL Most Valuable Player. Though Lawrence completed 25 of 43 passes for 264 yards with a touchdown, the third-year pro lost a pair of fumbles and committed an epic clock management mistake that cost the Jaguars points at the end of the half. The self-inflicted errors were the difference in a game that was there for the taking. Given Lawrence's propensity for turnovers and situational-awareness errors, the Jaguars extended their losing streak to three games due primarily to a disappointing performance from their star quarterback.

UNSUNG HERO

• Rayshawn Jenkins showed up against the Ravens as a "do-it-all" playmaker for the defense. The Jaguars' free safety tallied six tackles with a sack, tackle for loss and an interception as a versatile box defender with superb instincts and awareness. Jenkins' impressive play as a run-stopper/pass defender gives defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell a chess piece to utilize as a disruptor at the second level.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars' lack of attention to detail prevents the unit from consistently executing a creative game plan that stretches opponents from sideline to sideline with various bubble screens and quick passes. The unit's inability to run the ball with a talented collection of running backs speaks to the offensive line's woes at the point of attack. Without the balance to alleviate the pressure on Lawrence to carry the offense, the Jaguars have been unable to move the ball against elite defenses in back-to-back years.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• Caldwell put together a solid game plan designed to limit Jackson's big-play potential as a thrower. The Jaguars utilized a zone-heavy approach that enabled defenders to keep their eyes on Jackson at all times. While the plan eliminated the deep ball and forced Jackson to string together completions on a series of "dink-and-dunk" throws underneath umbrella coverage, the soft zones enabled Jackson to run rampant through the defense on impromptu scrambles. As the Jaguars paid closer attention to Jackson, the Ravens' running backs found more room to run between the tackles. Considering the Ravens finished the night with 200-plus rushing yards but just 23 points, the "bend-but-don't-break" tactics kept the game within reach for most of the contest.