3 takeaways from Jaguars Vs Chargers

Week 11 saw a shocking 35-6 blowout win from the Jaguars. They dominated on both sides of the ball, never leaving the game in question. This victory, especially in this fashion, puts them right back into the AFC playoff picture and gives fans hope for the rest of the season.

The time to strike is now

In week 10, it appeared the Jaguars may be on the verge of missing the playoffs. After a 4-1 start, they had lost 3 of their last 4 games, with 1 being a dominant blowout defeat and the other being the biggest blown lead in franchise history to a backup quarterback. There was little reason to have optimism for the rest of the 2025 season, especially with all the injuries they have suffered.

In just one week, the entire feeling has changed. With such a dominant win over a 7-3 team, this puts the Jaguars at 6-4, right in the heart of the playoff picture. The Jaguars have 4 extremely winnable games against the Titans twice, the Cardinals, and the Jets. If the Jaguars can go 4-0 in these games, this would put them at 10 wins, which would almost certainly put them in the playoffs. Not only that, but they also have a game at home against the Colts, a team they have not lost to at home since 2014. Simply put, the Jaguars control their own destiny in the AFC playoff picture, and they are set up well to do it.

The run game is the key to success

Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten combined for a perfectly balanced attack on the ground. Etienne had 19 carries for 73 yards along with 2 touchdowns, and Tuten had 15 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. The run game allows for extra ball control, reduces the risk of turnovers, and makes the offense much more unpredictable.

Bhayshul Tuten did not have more than 9 carries in any game before week 11 but got 15 against the Chargers. Tuten staking his claim for more carries may be the best option for the Jaguars. Tuten runs with considerably more power and has the speed to make plays in the open field. This dynamic duo could be the key to the Jaguars making a run late in the season.

Trench play will determine how far this team can go

The offensive line has been an up-and-down group all season long. Penalties have been a season-long problem, while sacks and run blocking became a more recent issue. When the offensive line is able to get push on run or pass plays, the Jaguars offense becomes dynamic and creative. But when they have stepped up in competition, the offense has been a disaster due in large part to their play in both blocking and penalties.

On the defensive line, they have struggled all season long, coming into the game ranking dead last in sacks on the season. Against the Chargers, they created havoc all game, sacking Herbert 3 times and pressuring him on nearly 50% of his dropbacks.

The play along both the offensive and defensive lines will play a huge role in the Jaguars success or failure the rest of the season. We have seen how both the offense and defense is affected when the trench play is not up to par, so it is up to them to find consistency the rest of the season if they are to make a playoff push.

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