3 Things We Have Learned About the Jaguars Entering Bye Week

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have become one of the NFL's toughest teams to figure out through seven weeks.

At times, the Jaguars are hitting on all cylinders and have proven they are a tough team to beat any week such as in wins over contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

At other times, such as their baffling loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and recent losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, the Jaguars look like they are miles away from being a competitive team.

So, what have we really learned about the Jaguars and head coach Liam Coen's squad at the bye week? We break it down below.

The Penalty Problem Is Real

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) learns his touchdown was called back because of an offensive penalty during the third quarter of an NFL football matchup, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars 20-12. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Penalty issues were persistent throughout training camp and the preseason, so perhaps it is no surprise the Jaguars have had penalty issues haunt the team in seemingly every game but the Chiefs one. And as things stand today, the Jaguars do not look like they are slowing down anytime soon in terms of the volume and impact of the penalties.

How the Jaguars can fix the penalties is an entirely different question and discussion altogether. But for now, the Jaguars are defined by the sloppy, self-inflicted mistakes that have consistently taken touchdowns, sacks and other big plays off the board.

This is a Running Team

Oct 12, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) hands off to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (1) during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Not many offenses have a higher EPA/Play rushing the ball than they do passing; it is simply easier to pick up better numbers via the passing game, especially in today's NFL. But the numbers are clear for the Jaguars: they are better on a per-snap basis running the ball on offense than they are dropping back and passing.

Liam Coen said he wanted to establish the run when he took over as head coach, just like most new coaches do. The difference is that Coen and the Jaguars actually stuck to this theme and were able to put together a strong running game. The running game has gone away in recent weeks, which explains the recent offensive struggles.

Travon Walker is Key

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) flexes after a sack on Houston Texans quarterback CJ. Stroud (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Jaguars' defense has not looked the same over the last three weeks, which directly correlates with the timeline for Travon Walker's wrist injury. Walker has played just 31 snaps combined from Weeks 5-7 due to the injury, and most of those snaps have been on obvious passing downs. As a result, the Jaguars have been weak on early downs.

Biggest reason #Jaguars defense has slipped last 3 weeks?

The early downs.

From Weeks 1-4, Jaguars were No. 4 in EPA/Play and Success Rate on 1st and 2nd down.

Over last 3 weeks, they are No. 31 and No. 32. Aren't getting the third-and-longs that lead to turnovers pic.twitter.com/V5PIg354Ny
— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) October 22, 2025

The Jaguars dominated early-down snaps to start the year. And those third-and-long scenarios helped create the turnover situatuons the Jaguars were using to boost their numbers during the first few weeks. The Jaguars badly need Walker to get healthy and make an impact once more.

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