Despite quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s active status last week, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Cleveland Browns in the second of three straight games against AFC North teams.
The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, beat the Los Angeles Rams to earn a third straight victory.
Even though Lawrence played last week, the Jaguars are far from complete. Wide receiver Christian Kirk is likely out for the rest of the regular season and defensive backs Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco didn’t practice Wednesday.
Here are five Jaguars players to watch as they take on the Ravens on Sunday Night Football in Week 15:
A pass catcher not named Evan Engram
With Kirk likely out for the rest of the regular season, someone in the Jaguars’ receiver room will need to step up against a tough Ravens secondary. Last week, the person to assume the lead role was tight end Evan Engram.
While the team can be successful with Engram as the top option, wide receiver Calvin Ridley needs to look alive. His connection with Lawrence has been on and off throughout the year.
Last week he had four catches for 56 yards, which is decent production at first glance. But Ridley caught only four of 13 targets.
And while the Browns have a tough secondary, so do the Ravens. He’ll likely see plenty of Marlon Humphrey, which could be a tough matchup for the first-year Jag.
If Ridley doesn’t show out, one of Zay Jones or Parker Washington will likely have their number called. Jones has been a great option in his two years in Jacksonville, and “The Parker Washington Game” against the Bengals showed great potential.
G Brandon Scherff
Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff has a tall task ahead. Baltimore’s defensive line, specifically Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney and Odafe Oweh, could be tough to halt Sunday night.
With Scherff being the most trusted player on the offensive line, he’ll be crucial in giving the Ravens’ defensive front headaches. He’ll likely see the most snaps against Madubuike, who has taken a leap in his fourth NFL season.
The Jaguars’ offensive line has struggled this year, and the Ravens have the personnel to make this deficiency even more clear.
RB Travis Etienne Jr.
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been struggling, and his play didn’t improve last week. In fact, his game against the Browns was his worst game of the season.
Etienne rushed 14 times for 35 yards and a touchdown; he also tacked on four catches for 37 yards. While Etienne always contributes to the game on the ground and through the air, his play will be especially important Sunday night.
A strong Etienne performance would take pressure off of Lawrence and the pass game, but he has a tough matchup. Baltimore’s linebacker room of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen won’t let Etienne get going without working for it.
LB Foye Oluokun
Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun will be key in slowing the Ravens’ offense. Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson can hurt defenses in multiple ways, and Oluokun could be the Jaguars defensive player with the best shot at making an impact.
Oluokun is a strong tackler and occasionally gets pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While he typically isn’t great in coverage, he has the ability to bring ball carriers down quickly in the open field.
Baltimore is a strong running team, so Oluokun’s skill set will be essential.
CB Darious Williams
Cornerback Darious Williams has already been the best player in Jacksonville’s secondary. But with the health of his fellow defensive backs, he will be even more important Sunday night.
Campbell missed last week’s game while Cisco was injured against Cleveland. If both players miss the game against Baltimore, Williams will be far and away the most important coverage player.
The Ravens don’t have many stud receivers, but Zay Flowers is a budding star, and Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman are solid pass catchers.
