49ers vs. Jaguars: 4 reasons Niners should be concerned in Week 11
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers have to be concerned about Jaguars run game
Trevor Lawrence has flashed some moments that justify him being the No. 1 overall draft pick. By in large, though, his inconsistencies and the overwhelming lack of talent around him likely points to Jacksonville’s passing game not being viewed as a primary threat.
The Jaguars can, however, run the ball effectively well.
Lawrence’s own scrambling abilities are good enough, as he’s netted 169 ground yards and two touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per rush. Yet running back James Robinson, who is dealing with knee issues, has 539 rush yards and six touchdowns this season, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. On top of that, he’s been a legitimate pass-catching threat, too, hauling in 22 receptions for 160 yards.
Overall, Jacksonville’s ground efforts are averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, which is good for second best in the NFL.
It’s possible, perhaps even likely the Jags try using a similar formula the Niners employed a week ago against Los Angeles, sticking with a ground-and-pound approach to keep the game within reach.
Considering San Francisco is allowing opponents to average 4.4 yards per carry this season, 20th best in the NFL entering Week 11, this should be a cause for concern.
The 49ers and Jaguars kick off on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. ET from TIAA Bank Field.
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