Jaguars Roar Back to Life, Patriots Struggle to Find Rhythm

The NFL's Week 7 action was filled with surprises and standout performances, as teams jockeyed for position in the playoff race. In a matchup between two storied franchises, the Jacksonville Jaguars emerged victorious over the New England Patriots, showcasing the potential of their young roster and the challenges facing the Patriots' rebuilding efforts.

A Tale of Two Halves: Jaguars Surge, Patriots Stumble

Jaguars Offense Finds Its Groove

The Jaguars' offense started slowly, managing just five plays in the first quarter. However, they quickly found their rhythm in the second quarter, scoring 22 unanswered points to take control of the game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the charge, delivering an efficient performance bolstered by the contributions of running back Tank Bigsby and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Bigsby, filling in for the injured Travis Etienne, bullied the Patriots' defense for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, while Thomas continued his impressive season with 89 yards and a score on five receptions. The Jaguars' offense showcased its depth and versatility, making it increasingly difficult for opposing defenses to contain.

Patriots Offense Struggles to Find Rhythm

In contrast, the Patriots' offense struggled to find its footing throughout the game. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye displayed poise and confidence in the pocket, but he lacked consistent support from his supporting cast. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson was held in check, and the offensive line struggled with injuries, losing another starter in Layden Robinson. The wide receiver group, led by Ja'Lynn Polk and Demario Douglas, struggled to consistently make plays, with Polk dropping several passes. While Maye's individual performance was commendable, the lack of support from the rest of the offense ultimately proved to be the Patriots' downfall.

Pederson's Jaguars Survive, Patriots Seek Answers

The victory was a crucial one for the Jaguars and head coach Doug Pederson, as a loss could have spelled the end of his tenure in Jacksonville. Instead, the Jaguars return to the United States with a 2-5 record, just one game behind the rival Colts in the AFC South. The road ahead, however, remains challenging, as the Jaguars face a daunting stretch of games against the NFC North and a prime-time matchup with Pederson's former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jaguars will need to build on this performance and find a way to string together wins if they hope to remain in the playoff hunt.For the Patriots, the loss raises more questions than answers. Maye's promising performance was overshadowed by the struggles of the supporting cast, and the team's inability to find a consistent offensive rhythm. As the Patriots continue their rebuilding efforts, they will need to address these issues and find ways to support their young quarterback if they hope to return to their former dominance.

Stat Highlights and Insights

According to Next Gen Stats, nearly all of Trevor Lawrence's passing production against the Patriots came on in-breaking routes, accounting for 159 of his 193 passing yards. His +15.2 EPA targeting in-breakers was the highest mark by a quarterback in a game this season. Additionally, Lawrence's average time to throw of 2.41 seconds was his quickest in a game this season, leading to a season-low three pressures against and zero sacks (14.3% pressure rate).In a historic moment, Parker Washington's 96-yard punt return touchdown was the longest touchdown in an international game and the first-ever special teams touchdown in an international game.