In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson and defensive back A.J. Bouye in Jacksonville, Fla.Phelan M. Ebenhack/The Associated Press
One of the NFL’s most formidable fronts is off to a slow start.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, who ranked second in the NFL with 55 sacks in 2017, have four in two games – on pace for 32 this season. Players insist the issue is all about the schedule and not any “Sacksonville” shortcomings.
The Jaguars (2-0) have faced veteran quarterbacks Eli Manning and Tom Brady, both savvy enough to get rid of the football quickly and avoid the pressure that defines Jacksonville’s defence. The result: A relatively pedestrian nine quarterback hurries in eight quarters.
Jacksonville hopes to end the trend against AFC South rival Tennessee on Sunday. It’s hardly a given considering the Titans (1-1) have allowed a league-leading one sack. But they also could be without starting offensive tackles Taylor Lewan (concussion) and Jake Conklin (knee). Conklin missed the first two games while recovering from a knee injury sustained in the postseason.
Making matters worse for Tennessee, backup Dennis Kelly (illness) was hospitalized last weekend and could miss a second straight game.
“They do have a good O-line, but we’ll see this week,” Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson said with a sly grin.
Jacksonville is clearly frustrated by its sack totals, but quick to point out that opponents are sliding protections, chipping defensive ends with backs and tight ends, and even sending out as few as two receivers.
“It’s kind of like, ‘OK, if you want to max protect, you’ve got five guys covering two guys,' " linebacker Myles Jack said. “Eventually, Sacksonville will return. I don’t think it’s at a standstill. I just think they’re getting so much respect right now. They’ll get their numbers.”
Jacksonville has become one of the favourites in the AFC following wins against the New York Giants and New England. A victory against the Titans would give them their first 3-0 start since 2004.
Tennessee has won four of the past five meetings, including a series sweep last season, and has more victories (27) against Jacksonville than any team in the franchise’s 24-year existence.
“It’s intense, both teams on the rise that started at the bottom of the league and now both teams have been fighting for something [in] recent years,” Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo said. “It’s exciting. It’s exciting for football. The AFC South is becoming very competitive again, and we’re both glad to be on the winning side of the things.”