Chiefs vs. Jaguars: Frank Clark, Tyrann Mathieu quietly impress
By Byron Smith
The Offensive Line Denies “Sacksonville”
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been working hard to recreate the shutdown defense of the 2017 season. Earning the team nickname “Sacksonville”, the Jaguars were able to put up 55 sacks and 21 interceptions. This defense managed to carry Jacksonville all the way to the AFC Conference Championship, where the Patriots barely squeaked past them.
Last season, Jacksonville took huge steps backwards when it comes to defensive production. They produced 18 less sacks (37), and the team missed the playoffs entirely. The Jags spent the offseason working on reestablishing that “Sacksonville” defense, and they used their first round pick on standout defensive end Josh Allen.
During the preseason, Allen showed flashes of brilliance and earned himself a starting spot on the defensive line come regular season. Veteran linemen accompanying Allen spoke throughout the offseason of being revitalized by his play and his fire. Despite all of this, Kansas City held this defensive line without a single sack.
Jacksonville’s totals on the day included zero sacks, zero forced turnovers, and over 500 yards of offense allowed. Most of that lands on the linemen not being able to put enough pressure on Mahomes and not able to seal up the holes that K.C.’s linemen were opening up for McCoy and Williams. But props have to be given to the Chiefs’ offensive linemen as well.
Even after spraining his ankle and having to limit his movement, Patrick Mahomes was still able to keep off the turf. He owes thanks to his offensive line for helping him with that. As a matter of fact, the Chiefs’ o-line kept Jacksonville to only 3 quarterback hits all afternoon.
According to Mahomes’ post-game press conference, Sammy Watkins was the third or fourth read when he took it 68 yards for a touchdown. This is only possible due to the offensive line holding solid and giving Patrick Mahomes plenty of time to make those reads. Without a solid showing by the O-line, this game could have ended very differently.