After the Jacksonville Jaguars secured their first win of the 2024 NFL season and the ninth straight at EverBank Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts, they head across the pond to battle the Chicago Bears in London, England. Here are the keys to the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Sunday morning.

Home Field Advantage?

While the Jaguars are listed as the “visitors” in the contest, one would typically think that both teams are visitors after flying over the Atlantic to play. However, the Duval Devout may fondly remember that after a slow start in 2023 at 1-2, they won both of the games in the United Kingdom to bring themselves to 3-2 and inject life into their season (which was a win short of a division title). Part of this was their familiarity with traveling overseas as the team in the league that’s done it the most.

Now at 1-4 currently, a win against the Bears and the Patriots could put their once “dead” season back on life support as they are only 1-1 in the AFC South. Being in the more comfortable confines of merry old England could give them just a bit more comfort to get settled in and do what they need to do.

The Return of Darnell Savage

The Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back corp has been riddled with injuries. While they still expect to be down their star cornerback Tyson Campbell for at least one more week, veteran Darnell Savage re-entering the lineup is a godsend. After all, the Colts Alec Pierce last week proved that coverage was an issue by catching a few bombs from Indy’s backup Joe Flacco that kept the game close late.

Savage should help in containing Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen while also lending assistance with Chicago’s star wideout DJ Moore should he get past Ronald Darby, Jarrian Jones, or any of the other Jacksonville cover men — especially if they plan to play physically at the line to keep rookie quarterback Caleb Williams out of sync throwing the football.

Keeping the Rookie Uncomfortable

While most every week of the season’s keys to the game mentions the Jaguars offensive line, the Jags defensive front is the feature here. While Jacksonville’s quarterback Trevor Lawrence will need better protection than he’s gotten all year to get his offense on the scoreboard, forcing Williams into turnovers would do a lot to keep this game competitive.

Most football games are won on who does better at snagging takeaways, but riding on the momentum of Travon Walker having the best game of his career last week turning in three sacks on Flacco would do a lot to put a “2” in the win column for the Jaguars this week.