Chargers Game Day Newsletter 6 Nov 12th Los Angeles_Digital | Page 62

in the second half, while Ivory (17 rush,
47 yards, TD) battled for tough yardage
throughout the day to lead the way. and that could provide more room for the
Jaguars’ best offensive weapon – the running
game.
Finally, credit also is due for Bortles’ play
over the last two games to give the offense
room to work against defenses set on slowing
down the best rushing attack in football. Jaguars Defense
With the third-best overall defense in the
NFL, the Jaguars rank highly in plenty of
other categories – including number one in
the league against the pass.
Bortles against the Colts threw for 330
yards on 18-of-26 passing (69%) with one
touchdown and no interceptions and a rating
of 124.7. His decision-making and effi ciency
continued last week against the Bengals
with 24-of-38 (63%) passing for 259 yards,
one touchdown, no interceptions and a 91.9
rating.
His confi dence seems to be growing, and
that means only good things for the Jaguars
offense. Defenses respecting the play of
Blake Bortles means Bortles is playing well,
AP Images
Part of that equation is when the Jaguars
pass rush gets going while working with a
lead.
When working with a two-possession lead
(nine points or better), the Jaguars defense
has shut down and closed out opponents. In
37 possessions trailing the Jaguars by nine
or more points, opponents have only three
scoring drives (21 points), while the Jaguars
defense has 19 sacks and eight takeaways
(fi ve interceptions, three fumbles recovered).
AP IMAGES