JACKSONVILLE – Doug Marrone had a couple of topics to cover.
The Jaguars' head coach addressed the first topic quickly, leading off his Wednesday media availability by saying that running back Leonard Fournette won't play against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday.
The other topic:
Just how good the Jaguars' opponent has been so far this season.
"They're rolling," Marrone said as the Jaguars (3-1) prepared to play the Chiefs (4-0) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Chiefs enter Sunday's game ranked No. 1 in the NFL in scoring offense, also ranking No. 8 in total yards, No. 14 in rushing yards and No. 9 in passing yards. Marrone called the Chiefs' offense the best the Jaguars have faced since he took over as head coach with two games remaining in the 2016 season.
"We'll have to play well," Marrone said. "It will be a challenge for us."
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' 126.5 passer rating ranks second in the NFL, and running back Kareem Hunt led the league in rushing last season. Returner/running back/receiver Tyreek Hill leads the NFL in punt returns, and tight end Travis Kelce is considered one of the NFL's best at his position.
The Jaguars' defense ranks No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense, yards allowed and passing yards allowed.
"I just know we have a lot of work to do in a short period of time, and you have to do your job," Marrone said.
Marrone emphasized, too, that the Chiefs' 32nd-ranked defense is very good on third downs, adding that the unit "doesn't get enough credit" and saying its low ranking is largely based on allowing yards while leading at the end of games.
"They've done a good job," Marrone said. "You're talking about a team that's 4-0. We're going to have to play better than we've been playing."
Marrone also on Wednesday emphasized the environment at Arrowhead, considered one of the NFL's loudest stadium.
"A hostile environment," Marrone called it. "I've been there a bunch. It is a tough place to play."
Marrone called Arrowhead the loudest place he has been in football and said the noise could prevent the Jaguars from communicating by voice much offensively between plays.
"I don't think there's going to be a lot going, because it's going to be so damn loud," Marrone said. "We're just going to have to be all on the same page. I don't think a lot of people are going to be able to hear a lot of things.
"It's unique. It's a tough place. I've been there before. I've been there on Opening Day. This is their second home game. It's a tough place to play – life in the NFL."
Also:
*Marrone also on Wednesday confirmed that nickel corner D.J. Hayden will miss a third consecutive game with a toe injury. …
*Fournette and Hayden were among five players not practicing for the Jaguars Wednesday. The others: center Brandon Linder (knee/back), guard Andrew Norwell (foot) and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (core muscle). Linder has missed practice each Wednesday during the regular season to rest the knee, but left Sunday's game with back spasms and did not return, while Seferian-Jenkins has started throughout the season while missing Wednesdays. Norwell sustained his injury this past Sunday. …
*The following injured players are expected to practice Wednesday: running back T.J. Yeldon (ankle), guard A.J. Cann (triceps), right tackle Jermey Parnell (knee) and defensive end Calais Campbell (ankle). Of that group, only Cann has missed a game with the issue; he missed the Week 3 loss to Tennessee. …
