The Green Bay Packers (5-2) will try to extend their winning streak to four games when Matt LaFleur’s team takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
The Jaguars have won two of their last three games and return home after a two-week stay in London. A talented but inconsistent offense is led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. Top players Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen play a talented but drastically frail defense.
Can the Packers go to Florida and pick up a road win after last week’s thrilling home win?
Here are five things to watch and the forecast for Week 8:
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Expect to see several former Packers draft picks on the field for Jacksonville. Tough-hitting Josiah Deguara rarely plays on offense but is a starter on special teams, while defensive back Darnell Savage has played both defense and backup for Jacksonville. The Jaguars also include offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen, another Packers draft pick. There will also be a reunion of several Packers specialists on Sunday. Long snappers Matt Orzech (2019) and Brandon McManus (2023) both previously played for the Jaguars. Of course, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was Brett Favre’s longtime backup in Green Bay.
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Last week, the Packers defense stifled CJ Stroud, one of the NFL’s best youthful quarterbacks. Is Jeff Hafley’s group preparing an encore for Trevor Lawrence? A devastating passing rush combined with marking downfield meant that Stroud – who played without Nico Collins – had just 86 passes. The challenge may be more challenging against a fit Jaguars attack that includes impressive rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and several veteran weapons. The Packers defense continues to get stronger and no one in Green Bay wants to see them lose. Deep ball protection will be critical.
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Much has been written about Jordan Love’s eight steals. Some were unlucky. Others result from excessive aggressiveness. Sunday’s trip to Jacksonville is an captivating matchup between an aggressive quarterback and a struggling defense that has only had one pick all season. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown 16 touchdown passes this season and are averaging 8.0 yards per attempt against the Jaguars. Can Love take advantage of one of the worst pass rushers in the NFL?
Pass protection puzzle
The Jaguars have two talented pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, which has led defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to avoid blitzing this season. The Jaguars rank dead last in rushing percentage, but there’s a problem: Jacksonville also pressures quarterbacks at a below-average rate. Will Nielsen send extra players against Jordan Love, who has struggled at times this season blitzing? Regardless of the speed of the offense, Sunday’s matchup is another good test for offensive tackles Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom. The Packers also ruled center Josh Myers sidelined with a wrist injury, so there could be a reshuffle on offense.
Another RB test
The Packers have allowed 90 or more rushing yards to Saquon Barkley (109), Jonathan Taylor (103), Aaron Jones (93), Kyren Williams (102) and Joe Mixon (115) in the first seven weeks. The running backs took on the Packers, and Sunday brings another major test in the form of Tank Bigsby, who rushed for 126 yards last week and is averaging 6.1 yards per carry on the season. He will be a tackle breaking machine in 2024. The Packers may be without Quay Walker, who is working under concussion protocol. Can the Packers stop Bigsby from controlling the game on the field? Last week in Green Bay, Mixon almost led a struggling Texans team to victory.
Prediction: Packers 30, Jaguars 20 (3-4)
In many ways, the Jaguars look more talented on paper than the top-ranked Texans in the AFC South, especially considering all the injuries Houston dealt with during last week’s trip to Green Bay. The Packers say they’re not taking the trip to Jacksonville lightly, but they’ll have to prove it on Sunday. It’s a gigantic test for a youthful but maturing team – can you hit the road and take care of business against a seemingly weaker opponent, especially after last Sunday’s thrilling home win? The games against the Giants and Panthers overdue last year were disappointing, but also immature performances. The difference in 2024? Jeff Hafley’s aggressive style on defense and Jordan Love’s blossoming confidence on offense. I think the Packers are showing why they are a different level of competition with their excellent performance on the road.
