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5 Keys to a Jaguars' Victory Over The Baltimore Ravens
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- 5 Keys to a Jaguars' Victory Over The Baltimore Ravens
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a tremendous opportunity to go on the road and secure yet another win over an AFC team many thought would be competing for a Super Bowl title this season.
The Baltimore Ravens have fallen short of expectations. They are only 4-4 and currently in last place in the AFC North. The Ravens' season is likely doomed after their two-time MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson, suffered a serious thumb injury last Sunday that is expected to end his season.
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Jackson's backup, Tyler Huntley, is also out for the year with a serious turf toe injury that occurred after coming in for Jackson in Week 8.
The Ravens just traded for former Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett on Wednesday, but are going to ride with third-string Joe Fagnano, who was also injured in Week 8 but should be ready to go against Jacksonville.
The Jaguars can't look past the Ravens, however. Jacksonville is dealing with its own set of injuries. The Jaguars lost terrific run-stuffing DT DaVon Hamilton and starting safety Eric Murray for the season with injuries they suffered against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8.
Jacksonville may also be without RB Bhayshul Tuten, who was unable to practice all week with ankle and foot injuries. Star edge rusher Travon Walker is officially questionable with a rib injury.
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If the Jaguars win and improve to 6-2, their chances of winning the AFC South and possibly earning the top seed in the playoffs will continue to rise.
Here are my five keys to ensure a Jaguars' victory over the Ravens:
5 Keys To A Jaguars' Victory
1. Stop Derrick Henry:As long as the Ravens still have Henry, they are a dangerous team. The future Hall of Famer remains one of the NFL's best running backs and will be even harder for Jacksonville's excellent run defense to contain without Hamilton.
Henry grew up in Yulee, FL, as a Jaguars fan and has been l ooking forward to playing his hometown team since the schedule came out.
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Without Jackson, expect the Jaguars to load up the box to try to stop Henry and force Fagnano to beat them.
2. Get Parker Washington going:After a hot start to the season, Jacksonville's star WR has cooled off as of late. Aside from his monster 6-124-2 game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, Washington has only six catches for 87 yards and no touchdowns in Jacksonville's three other games since Week 4.
Baltimore's pass defense is only 21st in the NFL, giving up about 228 yards per game, and should provide Washington an excellent opportunity to get back on track.
3. Keep the pass rush hot:Jacksonville's pass rush has been very inconsistent this season, but is coming off a four-sack game against the Colts. To ensure a win over the Ravens, the Jaguars must continue to get to the quarterback.
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Nothing will fluster a third-string QB more than having to deal with constant pressure all game long. If the Jaguars can get to Fagnano early and often, he may become extremely rattled.
4. Trevor Lawrence, MVP:Jacksonville's franchise QB has played at an MVP level all season. If he continues his stellar, efficient, and intelligent play, the Jaguars' offense could have a field day against Baltimore's defense, which gives up over 25 points per game.
Lawrence has a real chance to win the NFL's most prestigious individual award this season. He can increase his odds by having a big game in primetime against a highly-respected Ravens team, even without Lamar Jackson.
5. Win the turnover battle:Turnovers will always be key for Jacksonville. The Jaguars have a turnover differential of plus-7 this season, tied for the best in the league. In six games, Anthony Campanile's defense has gotten 12 takeaways, tied for the most of any team that has already had its bye week.
The Ravens are dead even in the turnover department this year, so Jacksonville should have the advantage, especially going against a third-string QB who is making his first NFL start.
