What the bye week means for the Jaguars

The Jaguars will head into the bye week with a 4-3 record, a record that most fans would have been happy with heading into the season, but after a 4-1 start feels underwhelming.

The past two weeks have been nothing short of a disappointment. Of course, the turnovers and last-second wins were always going to be hard to sustain, but 19 total points in the last two games is concerning. As of right now, the Jaguars do not have a clear identity. The offensive line, rushing attack, and turnovers were the team's identity through 4 weeks, but that has drastically changed to the point where neither the offense or defense are playing well.

Through 4 weeks. Trevor Lawrence had taken just 3 total sacks but has taken 17 in the last 3 games. Travis Etienne was averaging 6.1 yards per attempt and 98.5 yards per game through 4 weeks, but in the last 3 games is averaging just 3.8 yards per attempt with just 40 yards per game. The offensive line's inability to pass protect and run block as the competition increased has neutralized the Jaguars offense.

Part of this has been due to injury, which the bye week will help with, but part of this has also been the line getting exposed. Brenton Strange was placed on injured reserve in week 5 and could come back in week 10 against the Houston Texans. In the meantime, however, we could see Liam Coen run more jumbo packages that have a tight end as an extra blocker. This could help create a bit more push up the middle for Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten.

Another way to counteract a quick pass rush is quick passes, particularly screens. The Jaguars have struggled massively in this area, so having an extra week to improve on this issue would help the offense be more unpredictable, help get easy yards, and neutralize a quick pass rush.

The other piece of the offensive struggle has been Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter. While both players are not having the statistical seasons fans have hoped for, they are for very different reasons. For Travis Hunter, this is a chance for the Jaguars to not only find a way to involve him more in the offense but also figure out a plan for him on both sides of the ball.

Brian Thomas Jr. has struggled with drops so far this season, leading the league with 9, according to FoxSports.com. Thomas has also been listed on the injury report with a wrist injury. The bye week will allow extra time for it to heal, as well as Thomas being able to have a mental reset as we approach the 2nd half of the year.

Penalties have been a massive problem so far this season. The Jaguars currently rank 4th in total penalties at 65. With a first-time head coach, this can be expected, but as time has passed, the issue has only gotten worse. With an extra week of preparation, this will allow Liam Coen to fully address this problem moving forward.

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