Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 reasons for optimism early in the 2021 season
The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t off to a great start in 2021, losing their first two games of the regular season. On one hand, they’re a young team in a development year, so this isn’t surprising. Then again, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re 0-2. While some fans realize this is a process and it will take some time before they see tangible results, others are (rightfully) frustrated with all the losing the Jags have undergone the last few years.
Neither side is right or wrong. There are simply two different ways to look at the same situation. Sure, head coach Urban Meyer needs time to turn the Jaguars around but that doesn’t exempt him from criticism. You can support the team and be critical at the same time. You can ask any player in the Jags’ locker room and you won’t find a single one who likes losing. They understand it’s a process even if they don’t like the early part of it, they are currently putting in the work to get better.
Not everything is gloom and doom in Jacksonville though. There have been bright spots and the first two weeks of the 2021 season. Here are three that have stood out.
1. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line has been a strength.
The Jaguars made additions to most position groups earlier this year. However, they kept the offensive line mostly intact, opting to bring back all the starters from 2020. At the time, the decision raised a few eyebrows. Instead of pursuing a top-tier free agent or using a first-pick on a left tackle, they used the franchise tag on Cam Robinson. The team’s brass believed that having the same group play together one more year would help them develop better rapport and more consistency. So far, it’s paid off.
Heading into the season, it was fair to wonder if the Jaguars were going to be able to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It hasn’t been an issue in two games. The offensive line has allowed just two sacks, the second-lowest figure in the league, only behind the San Francisco 49ers, who have given up just one.