If the Jaguars are going to defeat the Chiefs on Monday Night Football, here is how they’ll have to do it.
Awaiting the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 is a Monday Night matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
At 3-1 on the season, the Jaguars have a tremendous opportunity this week to make a mark on the national stage and do so against a perennial Super Bowl contender.
However, in order to accomplish that, winning these three matchups will be key to doing so.
Can the Jaguars’ offense find red zone success?
The Jaguars are averaging 24.0 points per game, but their red zone success has been hit and miss. Their success rate of 50% ranks in the bottom third of the NFL at 21st overall.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have had a very good red zone defense, ranking 10th in that regard.
Converting red zone opportunities to touchdowns usually begins with having a good running game to lean on so the offense isn’t put into predictable passing situations in a confined part of the field. As we know, the Jaguars’ offense has that element.
So in this instance, red zone success more so falls on the shoulders of the passing game. With opponents wanting to take away the run game, Jacksonville has to capitalize through the air.
A big day coming in the running game?
On the ground, the Jaguars have been one of the most productive offenses in football this season. Both in total rushing yards and in efficiency.
The Chiefs, however, rank 28th in run defense, allowing 4.9 yards per carry. They also rank 31st in ESPN’s run stop rate as well.
Steadily moving the ball on the ground will keep the offense ahead of the sticks, and in Liam Coen’s offense, it should help create some advantageous opportunities in the passing game.
Also not to be overlooked, but a good running game often means putting together long drives, thus keeping Patrick Mahomes on the sidelines.
Can the Jaguars continue to force takeaways?
If you win the turnover battle, the chances of that team winning the game are significantly increased. The Jaguars have been exceptional through three games at forcing takeaways, generating at least three in each contest.
However, this week they face an opponent in the Chiefs who are one of the best at not beating themselves, and that means taking care of the football.
On the season, the Chiefs have just one giveaway, a Mahomes interception. They have not lost a fumble as a team either.
Creating takeaways means fewer scoring opportunities for the opponent and more scoring chances for the Jaguars’ offense. Winning this battle could play a key role in determining the outcome of this game.