5 questions with the enemy, Big Cat Country
The only thing riding on the line in the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 16 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars is positioning in the NFL Draft. Both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs and they are only one game apart from each other, so this contest will play a big role in how the draft order looks this offseason.
To preview the game, Gus Logue from our friends at Big Cat Country was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Jaguars for Raider Nation.
Q: The Raiders and Jaguars are in a “heated” battle at the bottom of the NFL standings. Has Jacksonville shown any signs of tanking over the last few weeks? Who do you think the Jags’ primary target will be in the NFL Draft?
A: Jacksonville has not shown much signs of tanking, which is a testament to its players. Andre Cisco said he saw “a lot of quit” from his perspective at the safety position following a Week 6 loss to Chicago, but ever since, Detroit is the only team to have beaten them by more than one score. Effort level has really only been a concern during blowouts to title contenders; expect the Jaguars to play to win for all four quarters on Sunday.
As for the draft, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson may be at the top of their board (assuming they’re out of the Travis Hunter sweepstakes). Jacksonville desperately needs better coverage defenders beyond Tyson Campbell, who’s been a one-man show since he was drafted in 2021.
That said, there are several position groups that need upgrading — including both sides of the line — so the Jaguars will likely be in ‘best player available’ mode.
Q: After taking a brutal hit and suffering a concussion a few weeks ago, Trevor Lawrence was placed on injured reserve and is done for the year. What is the difference in Jacksonville’s offense with Mac Jones at quarterback versus Lawrence? Also, is there any chance Lawrence could be on the trade block this offseason? (Asking for a friend who could be looking for a quarterback…)
A: Here’s an easy way to sum it up. When Lawrence played over 50% of snaps, Jacksonville scored 21.7 points per game (would rank 19th for the full season). Otherwise, the Jaguars have scored 13.6 points per game (would rank 32nd).
The number of Lawrence doubters in Jacksonville took a nosedive as soon as Jones played a full game. The hometown kid posted a 38.3 passer rating in his first start in Week 10, and things haven’t gotten much better.
Fortunately for myself and fellow Lawrence truthers, he will not be on the trade block any time soon. There’s no doubt from within the team’s building that he’s their guy, and if a new regime were to think differently, I’d be shocked.
Good luck with your quarterback search — truly, as someone who also watched Gardner Minshew start for their team — but 16 is unavailable. We in Duval County cannot wait to see a full season of him and Brian Thomas Jr. together.
Q: Brian Thomas Jr. has been having an impressive season with 64 catches for 956 yards and eight touchdowns. Can you tell us about the rookie’s game and what he’s brought to the Jaguars’ offense this season?
Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images
A: You know that feeling when you’re trying to wrap your head around a difficult subject, like multiverses or colorblindness or what to eat for lunch, and it just hurts your head because your mind can’t really comprehend it? That’s what it’s like thinking about what Thomas Jr. could be.
He was brought along slowly to start, but only because the Jaguars already had veteran pass-catchers like Christian Kirk, Evan Engram and Gabe Davis. As each of those players (and Lawrence) landed on season-ending injured reserve, Thomas Jr. saw his role gradually grow. All of a sudden, it’s Week 16, and he ranks ninth among all players in receiving yards.
As Doug Pederson said earlier this week, Thomas Jr. has “become the show” in Jacksonville’s offense. He’s not just limited to one role like he was in Week 1. Screens, drags, quick outs, double moves, and more have been added to his plate in order to get him the ball.
The exciting part is that he’s mostly won with his athleticism. It’s what made him a first-round pick — his Road Runner-like speed took the top off of defenses from day one — but he’s not just winning by running faster than his opponent.
Thomas Jr. glides in a way that’s rare for a 6-foot-3 wideout, and it’s evident in his release packages, his route running, his ball carrying, all of it. He does not have poor technique or fundamentals, but if he can really hone in on those things, it’ll take his craft to the next level.
Sorry to go long on this one, but the kid is special. I believe he’s already on the Mount Rushmore of best football players to wear teal in the Shad Khan era (since 2012).
Q: One of the Raiders’ biggest draft regrets in recent years was taking Clelin Ferrell over Josh Hines-Allen. One, you’re welcome! Two, how has Hines-Allen’s game evolved over the years, and how has he looked this season?
A: Hahaha, thank you kindly! I do appreciate the question because Hines-Allen is also on that Mount Rushmore list (with Lawrence and Jalen Ramsey) and is probably one of the more underrated players at his position. Even fans in Jacksonville don’t fully appreciate what he’s done this season since his sack total (7.0) pales in comparison to last year (17.5, a franchise single-season record).
Hines-Allen is a good model for Thomas Jr. in terms of being a freak athlete who became a Pro Bowl player by focusing on small details. He had 10.5 sacks as a rookie in 2019 playing on a stacked defensive line, but as talent washed away, it became harder to bring down opposing passers.
He’s done a great job in recent years of improving his pass rush plan and winning with technique. I think his sack and pressure numbers have been pretty stellar in that time considering the lack of pass rush around him (Travon Walker is a great running mate but there’s absolutely nobody behind those two).
Pass rushing aside, Hines-Allen has been a phenomenal edge-setter in the run game and an even better leader in the locker room. He’ll be in the team’s ring of honor one day. Thanks again!
Q: Even beyond the first round, it’s looking like Las Vegas and Jacksonville will be picking near each other for the entire draft, potentially swiping players away from one another throughout the draft weekend. So, what needs or positions do you expect the Jags to target in April?
A: As I mentioned earlier, the team will be looking to improve its trenches and secondary this offseason. Trent Baalke (assuming he isn’t fired) will be eying the best athletes at premium positions in the first round. He preaches the ‘best player available’ approach so it’s a bit tricky to nail down their first pick, especially before free agency, but cornerback, defensive line and interior offensive line should be their top targets.
I hope each of these franchises will soon rid themselves of the roaches they call general managers. Best of luck, Raider Nation.