The Jacksonville Jaguars started the game out hot, but ultimately fell apart and lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. They're now 0-4 and currently in last place in the AFC South. Things aren't looking great for Jacksonville right now. It's time to continue our NFL takeaways series with a Jaguars Week 4 takeaway.
It started out in the Jaguars' favor but they couldn't hold the lead in the second half. It's a young franchise and they need time to develop, but there are some red flags right now. Head coach Urban Meyer seems to be having a hard time adjusting to the professional level. Maybe he figures it out, maybe he doesn't, but either way, it's not looking good for the Jaguars.
Jacksonville's offense showed off some of its potential on Thursday night. After DJ Chark fell to injury Laviska Shenault became the top target in the passing game. Additionally, Trevor Lawrence flashed his potential in this matchup, while James Robinson proved that last year was not a fluke. With that said, here are four Jaguars' Week 4 takeaways from their game against the Bengals.
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Jaguars Week 4 Takeaways
4. Urban Meyer looks lost on the sideline
The Jaguars franchise and fanbase were ecstatic when it was originally announced that Urban Meyer was hired as the new head coach. So far, it hasn't been the best as Meyer seems lost out there. He's working with a young team, but Urban Meyer is clearly struggling to adjust to the professional level.
He has time to make adjustments and get more acclimated to the league, but this is a giant red flag for Jacksonville. Additionally, the rumors of Meyer's interest in the job opening at USC continue to make its rounds on a weekly basis.
Meyer has stated he has no interest in taking the head coaching job at USC, but that could quickly change if he continues struggling in the NFL. For now, he's the coach of a young Jaguars team and needs to figure out a better game plan moving forward.
3. Laviska Shenault shined in the expense of DJ Chark
There was a ton of hype surrounding Laviska Shenault in the offseason but it quieted down in the first three games. He finally exploded for six receptions and 99 yards, but it took a DJ Chark injury to do so. The Jaguars are likely without their top wideout for the remainder of the season.
Even so, Jacksonville has a decent receiving core. Shenault proved he can be a trustworthy pass option for Trevor Lawrence. He's bound to continue serving as the top wideout on the roster as long as Chark is sidelined. Hopefully, DJ Chark recovers, as he plays a vital role in the Jaguars' offense. Until then, we should see Laviska Shenault playing as Lawrence's favorite target.
2. Trevor Lawrence flashed his potential, but it wasn't enough
Trevor Lawrence made a beautiful throw on the run that reminded the whole league why he was such a highly anticipated prospect. Lawrence played like an elite quarterback throughout the first half of the game. Jacksonville needs these flashes to become more consistent if they hope to be more competitive this year.
1. James Robinson deserves an expanded role
James Robinson is a legitimate starting running back in the league. It was rather confusing when the front office selected Travis Etienne in the first round, as Robinson looks like a top running back. Hopefully, his performance on Thursday night caught the coaching staff's attention, as Robinson deserves an expanded role for the remainder of the season.
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