3 takeaways from the Jaguars dominant win over the Jets

The Jaguars manhandled the Jets in a 48-20 victory to improve to 10-4 and stay atop the AFC South. With their toughest matchup ahead of them, it was pivotal that business was handled in week 15, and it certainly was.

Trevor Lawrence continues to play his best ball

This was Lawrence's best game of his career and arguably the best 3-game stretch of his career as well. In 2022, Lawrence found ways to come through despite being down big; now he is starting games out hot and playing complete games. With the addition of Jakobi Meyers, he is targeting the middle of the field and passing the ball downfield considerably more, taking the offense to its full potential.

For his entire career, consistency was the biggest problem Lawrence faced. One drive he was excellent, and the next he would look lost and miss open targets. No game was more evident of this than the Cardinals game in week 12. Over the last three weeks, Lawrence is playing with total command and confidence, throwing with immense accuracy, timing, and has significantly reduced the questionable decisions. With Lawrence playing at his best, the Jaguars are a dangerous team in the AFC.

The identity of the team has shifted

Early in the 2025 season, the run game was the offense's strength, supported by an up-and-down passing game. Through the first 8 games, Travis Etienne averaged 5.3 yards per carry, providing a consistent threat that opened up the passing game. Since the bye week, he is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry, with only one game above 4.

It is no coincidence that since the offense became more pass-oriented early in games, the offense has taken off, averaging 31.8 points per game since the bye week. In two of the last three games, Jaguars running backs have rushed for less than 50 yards, and it hasn't mattered. Liam Coen has given Lawrence total autonomy over the offense, and he's letting it rip just the way he had hoped.

Situational football will define this team

The Jaguars biggest problems this season have largely stemmed from the fundamentals and key situations. Heading into week 15, they were the most penalized team in the NFL and were one of the worst third down teams in the NFL. Against the Jets, they went 4-9 on third down and committed just 5 penalties for 60 yards.

Against the top teams, this has to continue. Penalties and sacks have been a reoccurring theme in big spots, and have cost the Jaguars a lot of points this season. On the first three touchdown drives, the Jaguars offense faced one third down in total. The lack of penalties and sacks helped to stay ahead of the sticks, being in manageable 2nd and 3rd down situations. If the penalty problem can become a thing of the past, this offense will do serious damage.

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