With the Jaguars’ week 17 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on deck, the Jaguars don’t have much time left to secure their division. It seemed like the Jaguars’ division to lose, which is exactly what the Jaguars have managed to do. Multiple bad losses since the bye week, which have been marred with injuries and finding ways to self-sabotage.
The Jaguars’ week 17 game against the Panthers will be the biggest test the Jaguars will have faced all season. Not from a pure matchup standpoint, but rather what’s at stake with the game combined with the injuries the Jaguars are dealing with. Multiple key players are injured for the Jaguars, including franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. His absence, along with the defensive side of the ball are the focal points of the Jaguars’ week 17 matchup against the Panthers.
Jaguars’ Week 17: 2 Storylines to Watch
Jaguars Offense Without Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (16), and RB Travis Etienne Jr. (1) – James Gilbert/Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s been no secret that Trevor Lawrence has played all season with multiple injuries. Early in the 2023 season, he dealt with an injury on his legs, and in recent weeks the injuries have begun to climb his body. He’s been dealing with shoulder issues, a concussion, and finally, another shoulder injury which has forced Lawrence to miss his first game in 2023.
In his place, veteran C.J. Beathard will get a chance to run the offense. He’s played sparingly so far but has amassed 171 yards and a touchdown on 23-29 passing attempts. The Jaguars’ week 17 quarterback will be Beathard, and against one of the worst teams in the NFL, the Jaguars should still be able to win.
C.J. Beathard is more than capable of winning games, as he can manage the game similarly to how many veteran backups manage games. The big caveat for Beathard will be to hold onto the ball, and not turn it over. With a struggling team in the Panthers coming to Jacksonville, the Jaguars need to emphasize turnovers. Giving up turnovers has been a massive issue for the Jaguars, and asking Beathard to limit those will be the key to Beathard’s performance.
Jaguars Defensive Line vs. Panthers Offensive Line
Jacksonville Jaguars OLB Josh Allen (41) – James Gilbert/Jacksonville Jaguars
While the injury to Trevor Lawrence is a massive one, the more known commodity for the Jaguars that will need to play better is the Jaguars pass rush. In the Jaguars’ week 17 matchup, the pass rush will need to make their presence felt against Bryce Young.
Josh Allen and Travon Walker need to find ways to take over the game, as Bryce Young has struggled under pressure in his tumultuous rookie campaign. Getting pressure on Young is one of the keys to victory in the Jaguars’ week 17 matchup.
The Panthers’ pass blocking is bottom five in the NFL according to PFF, and there have been major issues with the pass protection. But, another factor of the pass protection is the lack of weapons for the Panthers. With the receiving corps constructed as is, the Panthers don’t have many options offensively. If those weapons can’t get open, then coverage sacks will be more frequent.
With the combination of a struggling offensive line, receivers who can’t get open, and a quarterback who struggles with pressure, the Jaguars’ week 17 game plan should be to pressure Young as much as possible.
Injury Reports
Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson – James Gilbert/Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars’ Week 17 Injury Report
- OT Cam Robison (Knee) – Questionable
- WR Zay Jones (Knee/Hamstring) – Questionable
- QB Trevor Lawrence (Right Shoulder) – OUT
It’s been something that’s been narrowly avoided for many weeks now, but Trevor Lawrence is finally sitting with an injury. It’s a miracle that Lawrence has missed only one game so far, and with the Jaguars’ week 17 matchup against a porous Panthers team, the Jaguars should be able to handle their business without him.
Zay Jones being healthy would help the offense, but with Lawrence out his impact will be more limited than normal. On the other hand, if Cam Robinson were to return, the Jaguars would be much better off. The offensive line is significantly better when Cam Robinson is playing, and the depth across the board would be much improved, something that’s become an issue in recent weeks.
Doug Pederson will have to find a way to have success on offense without Trevor Lawrence. Being down the most important player is something that Pederson has dealt with before, back in 2017 with the Eagles. While the situation isn’t the same, there is still some previous indication that Doug Pederson can manage with backups in big spots.
Panthers’ Week 17 Injury Report
- CB Troy Hill (Concussion) – OUT
- OT Ikem Ekwonu (Foot) – Questionable
- CB Jaycee Horn (Toe) – Questionable
- LB Frankie Luvu (Quad) – Questionable
- LB Marquis Haynes (Back) – Questionable
The injury report for the Panthers features multiple key players. Ikem Ekwonu would be a huge miss, especially when facing Josh Allen and Travon Walker. A chance for the defensive line to feast is a problem for the Panthers, as the offense struggles a lot when under pressure.
Defense is where the real issues kick in. Troy Hill is out with a concussion, while star Jaycee Horn is questionable. While not a priority thanks to the injury to Lawrence, missing their best corner would still make things much easier for C.J. Beathard.
Jaguars’ Week 17 Prediction
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Parker Washington (11), WR Calvin Ridley (0), and WR Jamal Agnew (35) – Kam Nedd/Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ week 17 matchup is the most important game of the season for the Jaguars. Between the injuries and a chance to clinch a playoff spot, the Jaguars can set themselves up nicely with a win against the Panthers. It won’t be easy, as Trevor Lawrence is missing his first game of 2023.
It’s been a cold stretch for the Jaguars, and there is no better get-right game than one against one of the worst teams in the NFL. In my preseason predictions, I had the Jaguars’ week 17 matchup featuring a better Jaguars team, but in reality, the Jaguars have massively struggled offensively and defensively as of late.
But, the Jaguars still have the coaching, talent on defense, and home-field advantage against the Panthers. I predict a Jaguars win, with a chance to clinch the AFC South becoming clearer and clearer.
