JACKSONVILLE FL - If there ever was such a thing as a moral victory in football, the Jacksonville Jaguars would have achieved that during the game against the Denver Broncos. The game was competitive most of the way through, the defense made big plays and the offense was able to move the ball. Sure they still lost 35-19, but it has given hope to the fans in this city that he Jaguars might be able to win a few games his year, provided that the game last week wasn't just a fluke.
The Jaguars (0-6) will square off against the San Diego Chargers (3-3) at Everbank Field Sunday. The Chargers come into this game after a close win against the Indianapolis Colts last Monday night and are on a short week. Quarterback Phillip Rivers had a decent game, throwing for 237 yards and a touchdown in the game against the Colts. The Chargers had a solid running game too, rushing for 147 yards.
Jacksonville's offense will be without some play makers this week as wide receivers Ace Sanders and Stephen Burton are out with concussions. Cecil Shorts III is questionable with a shoulder injury, but should be expected to play through the pain. The Jaguars are expected to have tight end Marcedes Lewis back to play this week, after re-tweaking a calf injury a few weeks ago. Returning on the defense is cornerback Dwayne Gratz, who has missed 5 consecutive games with a leg injury.
So the big question: will the Jags win? Considering most of my predictions have been wrong thus far, I would err on the side of caution and say no. But my opinion is if the Jaguars put up the same kind of play they gave the Broncos, we're looking at a 24-17 Jaguars home win. If this happens, this can give the team the momentum to head off to London with some confidence and give the struggling San Francisco 49'ers a tough go of things. One day at a time, though. One day at a time.