Jaguars vs. Steelers: 5 Players to Watch
Four straight wins ... can they make it five?
This week the Jaguars travel to Acrisure Stadium (formerly known as Heinz Field) in the midst of the three rivers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both teams are currently slated for the playoffs so this game could have huge playoff implications. If the Jaguars win, it would be the team’s best start since 1999, when they started 7-1.
To make that dream reality, here are my five Jaguars to watch against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
RB Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne has been on a tear, scoring two touchdowns in each of the last three games. That’s something no other Jaguar has ever done. The star tailback is on pace for 1,700 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns. If he were to score twice this weekend, he would join LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players to score two touchdowns in four straight games.
That feat is certainly within the realm of possibility as the Steelers run defense is allowing 4.7 yards per attempt and 142.3 yards per game. As Trevor still recovers from his knee injury, the offense may keep looking Etienne’s way. I expect another big game from No.1.
WR Christian Kirk
Even with the addition of Calvin Ridley and the success of Evan Engram and Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk keeps doing Christian Kirk things. Many thought we might see a fall off from the 1,100-yard, eight-touchdown season from a year ago, however, that’s been far from the case.
Through seven games, Kirk has reeled in 39 balls for 474 yards and three scores, on pace for 1151 yards and seven touchdowns. The Pittsburgh secondary, while talented, has been susceptible. Overall, the Steelers are allowing the third most yards per game. Lawrence has been looking Kirk’s way and it has been working wonders. I don't expect that to change.
OC Luke Fortner
The Jaguars spent a third-round selection on Luke Fortner and he almost immediately slotted himself into the starting lineup. He’s had a bit of an up-and-down career thus far. Having said that, the aerospace engineer and Kentucky alum has turned into an impenetrable fortress the last two weeks.
Against the Colts and Saints, the Fortner ‘fortress’ didn’t concede a single pressure on 72 pass-blocking opportunities. If Fortner can turn a corner and Walker Little returns, the Jaguars’ line may be the best fans have seen in years. Fortner is certainly smart and talented enough to be around for a long, long while.
LB Devin Lloyd
A fan favorite for many reasons, Lloyd has, like Forner, experienced an up-and-down start to his young career. Unlike Fortner, Lloyd’s been excellent all of 2023. Despite missing two games to a thumb injury, Llloyd leads all linebackers with six pass deflections and has become an important member of one of the league’s best defenses.
The Steelers’ offense, simply put, isn’t very good. They are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and Kenny Pickett has been among the NFL’s least efficient quarterbacks. This is a recipe for success when looking to face a hungry Jacksonville defense who lead the league in takeaways. Lloyd has had some dropped interceptions due to his cast. Maybe he finally hauls one in this weekend against a middling Pittsburgh offense.
CB Darious Williams
With Tyson Campbell’s health not 100%, look to expect more from Darious Williams against a dangerous Steelers receiving corps led by George Pickens. Pittsburgh’ offense also features former Jaguar Allen Robinson, Diontae Johnson, and Calvin Austin III.
Williams has been among the NFL’s best this year, leading the NFL with eigh pass deflections in addition to his three interceptions. There’s been a lot of discussion about the Jaguars’ secondary in part thanks to comments made by the Steelers’ Pickens. Might we see another Williams interception this week off of young Kenny Pickett.
