Jacksonville Jaguars Poised To Start Second-Half Turnaround Against Cincinnati Bengals

By Michael Compton @MWCompton on November 1, 2014

The rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars appear outgunned on paper against the Cincinnati Bengals, their Week 9 opponent, but the Jaguars have shown evidence in recent weeks that a turnaround may be in order for the second half of the season.

The Jaguars have been far more competitive than their 1-7 record indicates, and can keep this contest close with improved decision-making and fewer turnovers. The Jaguars own an 11-8 advantage in the all-time series against the Bengals, but face a 4-2-1 Cincinnati team that is leading the AFC North after defeating the Baltimore Ravens last week.

The Jaguars looked to have put everything together in an upset of the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago, and then reverted to their old ways in last week’s home loss to the Miami Dolphins. They will be looking to turnaround a dismal road record, having lost five straight road games and 25 of the last 30.

Turnovers are a recurring problem for the Jaguars, and rookie signal-caller Blake Bortles is the main culprit. Despite flashes of brilliance, he has already thrown a league-high 12 interceptions, including four pick-sixes. Bortles possesses plenty of upside, but he also takes a lot of unnecessary chances. He tries to fit passes into tight windows and often throws across his body on the run, resulting in untimely and costly turnovers.

If Bortles can clamp down on the miscues, improve his decision-making and rely more on check-down options instead of forcing big plays downfield when they aren’t there, the Jaguars’ offense will be in a better position to finish drives.

One bright spot on the Jaguars’ offense has been the emergence of running back Denard Robinson. The second-year pro is running with confidence and is making things happen. He rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the win over the Browns, and followed that strong effort up with 108 yards on 18 carries against the Dolphins.

Robinson, who has replaced Toby Gerhart as the Jaguars’ No. 1 running back, should have another strong outing on Sunday as the Bengals rank 30th in the league in yards allowed (399.1) and 29th in rushing yards allowed (140.7).

The Jaguars’ defense, punctuated by the play of Sen’Derrick Marks up front, is generating pressure. The team’s 25 sacks is second in the league (tied with the Minnesota Vikings) behind only the Buffalo Bills (28). Following a rough start to the season and three straight blowout defeats, the defense has become stingy and allowed just 16.5 points a game in October.

The Jaguars’ secondary, however, has been plagued by injuries and is susceptible to the deep ball. With the Jaguars missing cornerback Alan Ball, who was placed on injured reserve this week, along with Pro Bowl linebacker Paul Posluszny, the front four will have to get after Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket. That may be easier said than done as Cincinnati’s offensive line has allowed just eight sacks this season.

Despite inexperience on both sides of the ball, Jacksonville has playmakers at the skill positions. A reversal of fortune might not be in the cards against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, but if head coach Gus Bradley’s squad can be competitive, sustain drives on offense and make stops on defense, the young Jaguars can generate some much-needed mojo to finish the season strong.

Michael Compton is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter at @MWCompton and connect with him on Google.