The 2-5 Jacksonville Jaguars, despite being three games under .500, have gotten a mini-wave of positive commentary since the London win two week ago.
The gist of it: maybe they can actually win the division.
Those theories are predicated on several assumptions; primary among them, the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts will continue to flounder.
There are those who wonder how much longer before any or all of those teams make a coaching change. One has already; the Titans, hiring Jaguars’ retread Mike Mularkey as an interim coach.
On Sunday, the Jaguars play the New York Jets on the road, and on paper, there are a lot of problems that the Jags may lack the tools to solve. Strong corners, a strong run defense, and a couple of big-name wideouts.
And that is exactly why they need to make a statement and win regardless.
See if Allen Robinson can make his way off Revis Island. See if T.J. Yeldon can run the ball into the teeth of the Jets defense. See if Blake Bortles can force that Meadowlands mob into some first-half boos.
Make them doubt themselves; make them hate their team.
It wouldn’t take much. A ten point lead in the first half would do it.
It’s time for the Jaguars to be bullies.
The New York media doesn’t think they can do it. The NY Post has a headline posing the question: easy win or will the Jets’ season slip away?
The Jags need to ensure that, when they leave New York, the Jets’ dreams are dead.
That the radio is lit up with callers from North Jersey, saying “same ol’ Jets” and “the team needs a new _____.”
Be the bad guy, Blake Bortles. Let out your frustrations, Gus Bradley. Make them cry, TJ.
From the coin toss to the final gun, hit them hard. Hit them late. Be the bad guys. Own the space.
