JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Chicago Bears in a 2024 Week 6 game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London Sunday

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Solid sign. Something not to overlook as the Jaguars head to London is that the offensive line – which has improved significantly the past two weeks – is showing signs of being a team strength. The unit played well against the Houston Texans in Week 4, a performance perhaps overlooked in the furor following a fourth consecutive loss to start the season. That the line followed that with one of its best performances in recent memory in a victory over the Colts this past Sunday – no sacks, no quarterback hits – is a development of significance on par with quarterback Trevor Lawrence turning in one of the better performances of his career in the same game. The line has shown positive signs all season, with the Jaguars rushing for at least 92 yards in every game this season – and the pass protection has improved dramatically in the last two games. Head Coach Doug Pederson attributes the improvement largely to continuity, with left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Ezra Cleveland, center Mitch Morse, right guard Brandon Scherff and right tackle Anton Harrison all starting all five games. The longest such streak last season? Four games. The Jaguars must win a lot more and lose a lot less to save the season. But if the line is as improved as it appears, that's a lot more possible.
2. Better and better. One area to watch moving forward: The continued development of defensive end Travon Walker, who by any measure had the best game of his career against the Colts with a career-high three sacks and seven pressures. A strong rush by Walker also forced a sack by defensive end Josh Hines-Allen and Walker narrowly missed a fourth sack. Walker, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, has steadily improved throughout his NFL career with 3.5 sacks as a rookie, 10 last season and with five through five games this season. Walker from the beginning of his career has been high level against the run, and he drew double teams throughout last season from teams concerned about his power being able to dominate one side of the line. He now appears to steadily be fulfilling his potential as a dominant pass rusher. He and Hines-Allen established themselves as one of the best edge tandems in the NFL last season, and they remain that. The issue for the Jaguars now is getting production from the interior defensive line and reducing the big plays in the secondary that have plagued the defense's performance in two of the last three games.

Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent…

1. There is new confidence in the offensive line after its rocky start. That's good to hear and they've justified Pederson's belief when he resisted making changes at left tackle and right guard. Lawrence is pretty happy with the guys up front. "It's a good feeling sitting back there," he said Wednesday. "In this league, it's hard to protect that well every week. There's a lot of really good defensive players. D-lines are really good for the most part across the league. You always expect to have to deal with a little bit of chaos in the pocket, just the nature of the game, especially when you throw the ball a lot." The line will need another strong performance against Montez Sweat and Co. of the Bears in London, but the line seems to be finding a level of consistency that would go a long way toward getting the season back on track.
2. I believe the Jaguars have an advantage in London. It's a tough trip for players even when you have a good idea of how to prepare and a good plan in place. When it's all new to you, as it is for the Bears this week, adjustments must be made. I was told last season that one of the reasons the Buffalo Bills looked flat in the first half of a loss to the Jaguars in London was that they didn't make those changes. Not every player agrees. "I think both teams have to deal with some of the elements and everything that comes with traveling over to London," wide receiver Christian Kirk said. "Obviously, it poses a lot of different things. You're overseas, the time change, the whole nine yards. Everybody has to deal with it. It's all about going out there and executing and playing our game."

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ..

1. Help is on the way. The secondary has been a major issue this season for the Jaguars. The problem has been exacerbated by cornerback Tyson Campbell going on injured reserve with a hamstring injury after the regular-season opener. The team announced Thursday that Campbell would travel with the team to London this week and will begin practicing with the team. Pederson said they will monitor Campbell and put him back on the roster only when he is 100 percent.
2. London calling. The Jaguars leave Thursday for their annual trip to London. Hurricane has altered some travel plans. The Jaguars will tweak their schedule in London accordingly, but don't expect significant issues. The organization has the overseas travel down to a science so I have no doubt they will have things handled if anything else arises. I don't expect the travel to have any significant impact upon the game for the Jags.