Snap counts from Jacksonville’s first win of the season
Jacksonville’s losing streak came to an end in exciting fashion on Sunday in London, as kicker Matthew Wright had just enough leg to clear the crossbar on a 53-yard game-winning field-goal attempt.
The Jaguars’ streak ends at 20 games, and they head into the bye with some positive momentum to build on heading into a road matchup against Seattle. It’s even more impressive when you consider the fact that the Jags were facing several key injuries that forced a bit of a different rotation than we’ve seen in past weeks.
Here’s how the snap counts broke down on Sunday.
Offense
Analysis
With D.J. Chark Jr. likely out for the remainder of the season, the Jags seem to have found their new No. 3 receiver in Jamal Agnew. He was signed for his returning prowess, but he’s delivered back-to-back impressive receiving games. He saw 59% of offensive snaps, more than any receiver other than Marvin Jones Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr., and he totaled 78 yards on five catches. Meanwhile, Tavon Austin and Laquon Treadwell saw smaller roles and neither made a catch.
The Jags added two tight ends this offseason in Chris Manhertz and Luke Farrell, but with starter James O’Shaughnessy still on the injured reserve, trade acquisition Dan Arnold is the one stepping up. He had two catches once again on Sunday, and he saw the most reps of any tight end.
The Jags were already down two offensive line starters in A.J. Cann and Brandon Linder, and they suffered another injury on Sunday as Cann’s replacement, Ben Bartch, exited. Will Richardson Jr. replaced him and ended up playing more reps, though rookie Walker Little saw one snap at right guard, as well.
The Jaguars hoped that drafting Travis Etienne would take some of the load off James Robinson, but with Etienne’s injury, Robinson is now playing a lot. He was on the field for 85% of snaps, and he saw 17 carries. He’s playing well, and it’s hard to justify taking him out of the game. The team will just hope this usage is sustainable like it was last season.
Defense
Analysis
With Tyson Campbell out once again, the Jags turned to Nevin Lawson and Tre Herndon to start at corner. Lawson never left the field, and he totaled an interception and two pass deflections. Meanwhile, Chris Claybrooks only played on special teams after struggling in coverage in previous weeks.
The Jags were down arguably their best defensive player as linebacker Myles Jack didn’t make the trip to London. Dakota Allen had the opportunity to start in his place, and while he saw the most reps outside of Damien Wilson at linebacker, he was less productive than Chapelle Russell, who had four tackles with fewer reps.
Josh Allen is not really a part of the rotation at edge rusher, as he rarely leaves the field. This is likely for the best, as he has been PFF’s highest-graded Jaguar the last two weeks. While the sacks aren’t coming for Allen, he’s gotten some pressure and has been the best pass rusher. Jihad Ward once again saw more time than K’Lavon Chaisson, but neither played on a majority of snaps.
With Jacksonville being shorthanded in the secondary, safety Rudy Ford has been used more frequently in dime packages, and he was the third-highest graded Jags player, per PFF. Andre Cisco saw a slight bit of usage in this role as well, but it was only two snaps.
