Jaguars vs. Buccaneers: 5 Players to Watch
There’s not much ice in the state of Florida, but the Jaguars have managed to find it and skate all over it. Three weeks ago, the Jaguars entered Monday night at 8-3, hoping to take control of the AFC. Fast forward to Christmas week and the team finds themselves now 8-6 after a three-game skid, fighting to keep hold of their division lead. With injuries aplenty, the remainder of the schedule might give more issue than originally expected.
Here are five Jaguars that must step up before Jacksonville breaks through the thinning ice.
Travis Etienne
The Jaguars’ run game just can’t seem to put it together. Despite injuries to Trevor Lawrence and the receiving corps, Travis Etienne hasn’t crossed 60 yards rushing since late October. That same Steelers’ game was also the last time Etienne had 100 yards from scrimmage.
To start the season, Etienne had 100 scrimmage yards in four of the team’s first eight games. The second half of the season hasn’t been nearly as fruitful for the Clemson tailback. The Bucs’ run defense is allowing just 3.9 yards per carry, led by run-stuffer Vita Vea. Etienne’s success Sunday will likely determine the success of his team.
Evan Engram
The Jaguars’ passing attack has been hit with blow after blow these last few weeks. Lawrence, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones have all faced seemingly contagious injuries as of late after a fairly healthy first half of the season. That luck has seemed to run out as the offensive line has been heavily burdened by injuries as well.
The Jaguars’ offense will be left in the hands of Calvin Ridley and Engram. Engram has hauled in 88 balls so far this season, 6th most in franchise history. He’s been Lawrence’s favorite target all season and if Lawrence can't go, Beathard will be sure to look his way as well. Engram had a milder performance last week, but I expect him to bounce right back against the Bucs.
Luke Fortner
Luke Fortner is the only Jaguar to have played 100% of the snaps and that’s certainly of note regarding the recent injury bug. That said, Fortner has received pressure to perform better as the team’s run game has stalled out in the second half of the season.
Fortner has been better in pass-protection, however, he hasn’t yet developed into the player the Jaguars had hoped for in his second season. With just three games left, time is running out. This week, he faces off against Vea and his play could have a huge impact on Sunday’s outcome.
Foye Oluokun
No Jaguar has been as consistent as the NFL’s reigning two-time tackles champion. In 2023, the tackle machine is in contention once again. Oluokun is just one tackle shy of Zaire Franklin’s 149 tackles. In addition to his record-breaking numbers, Oluokun has also been the captain and leader of the defense. That leadership has been pivotal to the growth seen in Devin Lloyd’s play this season.
Rachaad White is having himself a nice season. The second-year back has accounted for over 1300 yards and eight total touchdowns. He’s rushed for over 20 attempts each of the last three games and I expect much of the same Sunday. Oluokun and the Jaguars’ run defense will have their hands full containing one of the more surprising young tailbacks of the NFL year.
Rayshawn Jenkins
Another consistent piece of the defense, Rayshawn Jenkins had himself quite the game last week, collecting both a sack and an interception against the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. In coverage, Jenkins is allowing an NFL Rating of just 73.5 this season, marked by two interceptions and five pass breakups.
A banged up secondary wont help to slow down Bucs’ receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Thus Mike Caldwell will ask Darious Williams and Jenkins to do the heavy lifting once again. The pair have two interceptions the last two games and will need to be on the lookout for more opportunities Sunday against an aggressive Baker Mayfield.
