The Jacksonville Jaguars recorded minimal pressure on Broncos QB Bo Nix, failing to record a sack. While the EDGE pressure is bound to bounce back, the interior linemen's production needs to improve.
After a dominant two-phase effort in Week 1, the Jacksonville Jaguars' historic regular season winning streak came to an end on Sunday, as the team fell 20-13 against the Denver Broncos.
The Jaguars controlled the game during the first half, entering the break with a 13-3 lead.
But, the offense failed to score in the second, while Denver's offense began to take advantage of the Jaguars' shortcomings.
Pass rush was a big issue for Jacksonville, as the team failed to record a sack on Broncos QB Bo Nix.
Overall, the numbers of pressures was very low, with only three players recording at least two pressures.
Jacksonville's top pass rusher, Josh Hines-Allen, had one of the quietest games of his esteemed career, failing to record a pressure.
This was only the seventh game in Hines-Allen's NFL career without a pressure, and marks the first time since Week 6 of last season, according to NFL Pro.
While worrying about Hines-Allen going forward would be foolish, it is notable to see he and Travon Walker held in check.
In Week 1, the EDGE pair combined for three sacks, but struggled against a stout Denver offensive line.
The production from the outside is bound to improve, but Jacksonville's pressure from the interior is concerning.
The three primary defensive tackles for the Jaguars, DaVon Hamilton, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Arik Armstead, have all struggled to generate push on the inside.
Both Armstead and Orhorhoro are yet to record a pass-rush win through two weeks, while Hamilton is ranked No. 81 among qualified DTs with a 3.5% success rate.
The nose tackle trio does deserve credit for keeping opposing run games in check, but they will need to find ways to impact the quarterback on drop backs.
Heading into Week 3 against the New England Patriots, the defensive line will have an opportunity to tee off against a less-talented O-line than Denver.
But, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has the ability to get loose and extend plays with his legs.
The Jaguars have not played New England since 2024, but did find success against the Patriots then, with Walker and former linebacker Devin Lloyd getting through for sacks.
Returning home to a raucous group of Duval faithfuls should also help Jacksonville's pass rushers bounce back.
The Jaguars face off with the Patriots Sunday at 1:00 p.m., as they look to extend their lead in the otherwise winless AFC South.
