Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars vs Chicago Bears
Last week, the Minnesota Vikings held off an almighty comeback from the New York Jets to claim victory in the first of 2024’s NFL London Games. With both teams now back in the States, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can turn its attention to the next action-packed matchup set to take place on British soil – as the Chicago Bears take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In their 12th game in the UK, the Jaguars will once again be led by Pro Bowl quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This time, however, Lawrence’s visit will see him cross paths with another first-overall pick – in Chicago’s own, Caleb Williams. With both generational quarterbacks preparing for battle, Decyfr presents four key factors that may well decide Sunday’s game.
Caleb Williams 🆚 Trevor Lawrence
Which FIRST-OVERALL PICK claims victory in London’s second game of the year? 🇬🇧#DaBears #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/tJ4e966JTB
— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 10, 2024
WR1: Brian Thomas Jr.
It was generally acknowledged that the 2024 NFL Draft boasted three wide receivers with franchise-changing talent – Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze, all of whom were subsequently selected in the top 10. Five weeks into the season, however, and 23rd-overall pick Brian Thomas Jr. has outplayed all except Nabers. Despite starting the season as the third wide receiver on the Jaguars’ depth chart, Thomas Jr. has quickly become Trevor Lawrence’s favourite target – ranking sixth in the NFL for both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, whilst leading the team in almost every statistical category.
The first rounder comes into Sunday’s matchup fresh off the first 100-yard game of his career, behind a huge 85-yard catch-and-run for six points. Expect Thomas Jr. to utilise his elite speed and provide the Jags with multiple explosive plays of 20+ yards. This will, in turn, clear space for running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby to cause further damage in the passing game. That said, Chicago’s defense haven’t made it easy on opposing receivers – with just one passing touchdown allowed all season.
Caleb’s Continued Growth
Life as the first-overall pick inherently comes with an immeasurable amount of pressure – having the title of ‘generational talent’ then thrust upon you only increases said pressure, as Caleb Williams knows only too well. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner joined the Chicago Bears with the weight of an entire fan base on his shoulders. Weight that was arguably overwhelming through his first two performances – with nine sacks, two interceptions and an average of just 133.5 passing yards per game with no touchdowns. Since then, however, Williams’ growth has been remarkable – averaging 274.7 passing yards per game with five touchdowns to only two interceptions.
Already, Williams has the same number of 300+ passing yard performances as every other rookie QB in Bears history, and comes to London having just recorded a passer rating of 126.2. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can expect to see another elite performance from Williams who faces a Jacksonville defense that has allowed 10 passing touchdowns this season and a rating of 111.7 – all without a single interception. As a result, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift could also be in store for big performances, as Williams utilises their YAC ability.
Caleb Williams is ALREADY making history in Chicago 🤯#DaBears | @ChicagoBears | @CALEBcsw pic.twitter.com/M2EP0rulLy
— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 9, 2024
Jaguars’ Committee Backfield
Following the 2023 season, Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was viewed as one the NFL’s best – posting back-to-back seasons with just under 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Understandably, Etienne Jr. was therefore considered the ‘workhorse back’ in Jacksonville’s offense coming into 2024. However, while the former first-round pick has by no means fallen flat – with 64.4 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry – the first five weeks of the season have seen the emergence of fellow RB, Tank Bigsby. Despite seeing almost exactly half the number of touches, Bigsby has posted just 21 total yards less than Etienne Jr. – while leading the team in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, owing to a staggering 8.0 yards per carry.
This new ‘committee backfield’ has given the Jaguars a top 12 rushing offense capable of reviving their disappointing record to start the season. Given the Bears’ elite pass defense, the ground game will be an essential tool for head coach Doug Pederson. Therefore, expect the Jags to continually utilise both backs throughout the game, and don’t be surprised if the pair surpass 150 combined rushing yards.
Chicago’s Crushing Defense
Chicago’s almighty defense has already been mentioned multiple times throughout this article, and deservedly so. According to FOX Sports, the Bears have the eighth best total defense in the league and the second best pass defense – largely responsible for their eight-game win streak at home. In fact, the Bears’ D ranks in the top 10 for points per game, passing yards per game and takeaways, whilst leading the league in average passer rating allowed. Even dating back to the end of last season, this defense was on top form – having now held opponents to 21 points or fewer in 11-straight games – making it the longest active streak in the NFL.
Even with Chicago heading into Sunday’s contest without star safety Jaquan Brisker – who suffered a concussion in their Week 5 victory over the Carolina Panthers – this matchup remains favourable for the Bears. Keep your eyes on third-year safety Elijah Hicks, who is set to step in for Brisker, and Gervon Dexter Sr. – who will be looking for his fifth sack of the season against Trevor Lawrence and the 1-4 Jacksonville Jaguars.
Final Predictions
Score: Jacksonville Jaguars 20 – 31 Chicago Bears
Player of the Game: Caleb Williams, Quarterback, Chicago Bears
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