Heading into Detroit for a battle with the Lions after scoring only seven points against the Minnesota Vikings in Jacksonville was a daunting challenge for the Jaguars. Members of the Duval Devout are split on whether they were cheering for the first win for an unlikely charge to sneak into the playoffs or jockeying for a higher draft pick with a loss. Members of the “tanking”  faction are known as “Travis hunters” hoping they pick high enough to get Colorado Heisman trophy candidate Travis Hunter as someone who could potentially help them in multiple spots. The “hunters” got another step toward their wish coming true with Jacksonville getting mauled by the Lions, 52-6 and falling to 2-9

The Good

Cam Little and his big leg booting the 59-yarder as a career-long in his 11-game NFL stint also tied for Jacksonville’s franchise-long. If Brian Thomas Jr. wasn’t doing what he was in his rookie year, Cam Little would be the top rookie on the Jaguars roster. On an active 13-kick streak of made field goals with three from 50 yards or more on the year out of his 15 total made account for nearly 22% of the Jags points scored in 2024. He also hit a 35-yard kick at the end of the half.

Mac Jones started for the second consecutive week for the injured Trevor Lawrence over the newly acquired C.J. Beathard. He completed his first five passes, four of which were to help the Jaguars score on the first drive for the second consecutive game.

The Bad

The Jaguars defense was rendered completely useless. In just the first half, the pair that’s been dubbed “Sonic and Knuckles”, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, were tearing through the Jaguars defensive line. Heading into the half with a 28-6 lead, the Lions had 101 yards on 18 carries.

Gibbs finished with 69 yards on 11 rushes and a touchdown while Montgomery finished with 75 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. The Lions finished with 195 yards on the ground with 43 carries.

To open the 2nd half, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff bombed a 64-yard touchdown to Jameson Williams. Goff would also find Amon-Ra St. Brown (27-yard and 9-yard scores), Brock Wright (5-yard score). Goff finished with his most passing yards as a Lion with 412 completing 24 of his 29 throws and delivering four touchdown passes. The seven drives he was playing were seven drives that the Lions roared into the endzone for points. They also put points on the board in eight of nine drives. The ninth was where they mercifully kneeled on the ball to end the game.

That’s quite the rebound from throwing five interceptions last week for Goff. His quarterback coach is former Jaguar great Mark Brunell.

To make matters worse for the Jags, Gabe Davis who was already dealing with shoulder issues left the game early with a knee injury. Also, center Mitch Morse was taken out of the game with an eye injury.

The Spotty

Doug Pederson’s future is certainly spotty with the Jaguars now falling to 2-9 heading into the bye week. If owner Shad Kahn does let him go, the smart money is on offensive coordinator Press Taylor or defensive back coach Kris Richard to take over interim head coaching duties.