Jaguars Vs. Ravens: 3 Questions Jacksonville Must Answer Thursday

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is off to the best start of his career. This season, he has passed for 1,690 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions while posting a 112.6 passer rating through seven games. In his last 17 regular-season games, Lawrence has completed 319 of 499 pass attempts for 4,077 yards, 44 total touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 104.9 passer rating and a 14-3 record. 

Lawrence and the offense are averaging 28 points per game and lead the league in point differential. My attention, however, turns to whether he can maintain that level of play on the road Thursday.  

Away from EverBank Stadium, the offense averages 17.5 points per game. Lawrence has completed 35 of 52 passes for 416 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with an 89.6 passer rating in two road games.  In contrast, the Jaguars are averaging 32.2 points per game at home. There, Lawrence has completed 95 of 146 passes for 1,274 yards, 16 touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a 114.3 passer rating.

That home-field dominance has not translated away from home. Jacksonville is 4-1 at home but just 1-1 on the road. Against Baltimore, a win on the road can show that their style of play can travel. 

Can the Run Defense Survive Without Davon Hamilton?

The Jaguars will be without a key ingredient in their No. 1 run defense, defensive tackle Davon Hamilton, who will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn quad. Hamilton is a 6-foot-4, 335-pound nose tackle whom players and coaches credit for their run defense’s effectiveness. 

This season, the Jaguars are allowing 77.4 rushing yards per game and have not allowed a 75-yard rusher in 24 consecutive games. Baltimore running back Derrick Henry is seventh in rushing and third in rushing touchdowns. Jacksonville will turn to a mix of young and experienced defensive tackles: Arik Armstead, Albert Regis, Matt Dickerson, and Ruke Orhorhoro to fill the void. 

Veteran linebacker Foyesade Oluokun noted the team will miss Hamilton but expressed confidence in the defensive tackles in his absence. 

“Davon [Hamilton] is a great player and does so much great stuff for us,” Oluokun said. “We’re leaning on him a lot, especially in the run game. He’s always been disruptive and helps us flow over the top.” 

“Matt Dickerson has been a guy since he got here; he’s been working. When he first got here, he was disruptive right away, and the way he plays, he’s selfless, building a wall for the team, holding double teams, and plays with a lot of grit and determination,” he added. 

In 15 career games against Jacksonville, Henry has rushed for 1,564 yards and 17 touchdowns. Stopping him will be huge if the Jaguars want to leave Baltimore with a win, and without Hamilton, it could be challenging.  

Will Travis Hunter Shadow Zay Flowers?

Second-year defensive back Travis Hunter is emerging as one of the NFL’s biggest superstars. Drafted as a two-way player, Hunter has logged 341 defensive snaps, recording 26 total tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defensed. On offense, he has added 35 snaps, six receptions, 76 yards, and a touchdown. 

So far this season, he has matched up with the opposing offenses’ No. 1 receivers, allowing 19 receptions for 14.3 yards per reception and a 66.9 passer rating when targeted. In Week Six, he followed Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, surrendering two receptions and a pass interference penalty. 

Jacksonville’s secondary now faces Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has recorded 608 receiving yards on 40 receptions and three touchdowns. Flowers has three 100-yard receiving games, while the Jaguars have allowed only one receiver to reach that total this season. If Hunter shadows Flowers, the edge could shift in his favor. Baltimore announced third-string Joseph Fagnano as the starting quarterback for Thursday. 

End Of My Jaguars Rant

Jacksonville opens as heavy road favorites against Baltimore. The Jaguars are 4-1 when favored this season. Although both teams are playing on a short week, they enter Thursday’s matchup on opposite ends of the spectrum. 

After a 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars look to improve to 6-2. Baltimore has placed quarterback Lamar Jackson on injured reserve and will be without backup Tyler Huntley for the rest of the season. As the season approaches its midway point, this is a huge game for the Jaguars to continue their ascent among the AFC’s elite.