1. They can’t stop the pass » Jacksonville ranks 27th vs. the pass, and opposing quarterbacks have a staggering 100.2 passer rating against the Jaguars (26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions). Their safety play is subpar, thanks in part to injuries. Part of the problem stems from losing pass-rusher Aaron Kampman to a season-ending injury. He recorded four sacks in eight games. The Jaguars’ leading pass rusher — Jeremy Mincey — has five sacks. 2. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew is a stud » He’s 5-foot-7 and 208 pounds, so he’s not only low to the ground but powerful thanks to thick thighs. He’s not just a grinder; he can get outside and cause problems. The key for Washington is swarming to the ball because if there’s one defender, he’ll plow through them. And consider this: The Jaguars are 8-2 when he averages at least 4.0 yards per carry.
3. David Garrard runs hot and cold » But lately he’s mostly been hot after nearly getting benched, possibly for good, earlier in the season. Garrard is not a prolific passer, and if he has to throw a lot, the Jaguars are in trouble. Rather, he’s best when Jones-Drew is running well and he can then control the clock with accurate passes. Garrard is completing 65.2 percent of his throws and has a franchise-record 22 touchdown passes. In the Jaguars’ five losses, he’s thrown three touchdowns and eight interceptions. In their eight wins, it’s 19 touchdowns to five picks.
4. Their special teams are solid »
Jacksonville has a lot of flaws, but detail in the kicking game is one reason the Jaguars keep winning. Punter Adam Podlesh has dropped half of his 46 punts inside the 20, with another six touchbacks. That’s why opponents average just 6.6 yards per return (Jaguars returner Mike Thomas averages 11.3 yards). They also hold opponents to 21.4 yards per kick return (compared to 24.4 themselves). And kicker Josh Scobee has made 20 of 24 field goals.
– John Keim
