The Atlanta Falcons (4-6) will be traveling to the Sunshine State to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) this Sunday afternoon. The Falcons, who are averaging only 17.8 PPG, have only scored three points in their last two games. The Jaguars have been struggling as well offensively speaking, only scoring 15.8 PPG. Both teams are currently at the bottom of their respective divisions and will be looking to bounce back with a win.
Atlanta Falcons Outlook
The Falcons will be without star wide receiver Calvin Ridley for the fifth straight game, as he is on an excused leave of absence for personal reasons. The Falcons still have two great versatile weapons in Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Pitts. Kyle Pitts was made the highest-drafted TE in NFL history this past offseason when he was selected with the fourth overall pick. Kyle Pitts, being the focal point of this offense, has had a very good start to his rookie campaign with 43 receptions, 635 yards, and one touchdown. Patterson, who has flexed at running back and wide receiver this season, has had a resurgence in his career. Patterson has 39 receptions, 473 yards, five receiving touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns as well.
Atlanta has struggled defensively this season as well; they rank #31 in defensive PPG, and #25 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. The Falcons are the worst team in the NFL getting home to sack the quarterback with only 14 sacks on the season. But linebacker Foyesade Oluokun has been a lone bright spot on their defense with 110 total tackles.
Jacksonville Jaguars Outlook
The Jaguars are looking to find any positive momentum heading into this weeks matchup, after getting blown out by the 49ers the previous week. Trevor Lawrence has had his rookie struggles this season throwing for 2,141 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions. With the Jaguars losing wide out Jamal Agnew who suffered a season ending hip injury last week, they brought back 2017 fan favorite Jaydon Mickens. Mickens was a big part of the Jaguars success on special teams and as a wide out in their AFC Championship run. Jaydon won a Super Bowl last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will look to be a spark on this Jaguars team yet again.
Trevor Lawrence is bereft of talent around him with season ending injuries to skill position players such as Jamal Agnew, DJ Chark, and Travis Etienne. Marvin Jones Jr, Lavishka Shenault Jr and Dan Arnold will have to step up in a big way to help their rookie QB who has struggled at times this season. Star cornerback Shaquill Griffin missed a majority of last weeks game with a concussion and is listed as questionable vs. Atlanta. Defensively, the Jaguars have only created four turnovers all season, and all four were interceptions. The Falcons and Jaguars each have 17 turnovers, so if the Jaguars want any chance of winning, they have to win the turnover battle.
Conclusion
While both teams are coming off a loss, this game is a must win for the Falcons. Atlanta is fighting for a wild card spot in the NFC and are only one game from the second spot in their division. The Jaguars have seen their playoff implications fade before their very eyes and are now playing for pride and culture building. Both teams look to have a great bounce-back game and I expect to see a great game from both teams.
(Featured image by Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)