3 Things We Learned From the Jacksonville Jaguars After Week 7
The Jacksonville Jaguars started slowly in 2023 but have picked up steam and are on top of the AFC South.
SportsGrid looks at the Jaguars through Week 7.
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1. Christian Kirk is the No. 1 Wideout in Jacksonville
Heading into the regular season, many of the headlines in Jacksonville revolved around Calvin Ridley and how good he looked during the preseason and training camp. Ridley looked explosive and like a receiver on a mission to make a statement in 2023. In Week 1, Ridley looked the part and put up elite production, tallying 101 yards and a touchdown. Since Week 1, Ridley has only eclipsed the 100-yard mark once. Enter Christian Kirk. We don’t want to say it was a breakout season for Kirk last year, but it was evident that Trevor Lawrence and Kirk had built a real connection. In 2022, Kirk had the first 1,000-yard receiving year of his career, and he’s carried over that production to 2023. Through Week 7, Kirk has hauled in 39 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns. There’s room for Kirk and Ridley to be productive, but it looks as though Kirk is the true alpha in this offense.
2. Trevor Lawrence can be a Real Dual-Threat Quarterback
Despite being questionable ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Saints, Lawrence suited up. After suffering a left knee injury in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, Lawrence had his most productive game of the year using his legs in Week 7 against New Orleans. Lawrence took the opportunities that the Saints defense continued to give him and rushed the ball eight times for 59 yards. We know what Lawrence and his arm are capable of, but it only elevates Jacksonville’s offense if he can continue using his legs to move the chains. Lawrence will need to be more consistent overall, but he’s the complete package of what you’d want at the quarterback position in 2023.
3. The Defense is Good Enough to Compete
There’s a lot of positivity surrounding the Jaguars’ defense of late. Not only has this unit been getting to the quarterback, but they’ve also been consistently creating turnovers. The Jaguars have one of the NFL’s top run-stopping defenses, often a sign that you have the right guys in the trenches. It’s no secret that winning in the trenches equals winning football games. Although the Jaguars defense allowed 24 points, that number is somewhat inflated. Jacksonville’s elite run defense stood out on Thursday against the Saints. The Saints rushed the ball 31 times, and the Jaguars’ defense held them to a measly 3.6 yards per carry. If this defense can continue performing at this level, we’re bullish on the Jagaurs overall in the AFC.
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