Advanced stats show just how bad the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line was in 2023 season
There is no secret that the Jacksonville Jaguars had a bad offensive line last season. However, many people don't understand just how bad it was. There is a reason the offense just didn't work, and it started up front with the offensive line. They were terrible, and after looking at the advanced stats, they were […]
There is no secret that the Jacksonville Jaguars had a bad offensive line last season. However, many people don't understand just how bad it was. There is a reason the offense just didn't work, and it started up front with the offensive line. They were terrible, and after looking at the advanced stats, they were likely the worst unit in the league.
The Jaguars had a tough time protecting Trevor's Lawrence, which is a big reason he was hurt as much as he was. However, they also had a tough time blocking in the run game, even though running back Travis Etienne was as good as he was.
If the Jaguars want to have an elite offense in 2024, they have to start by addressing the offensive line, which they can do in the draft and free agency. As we have gone over before, there are several options in both, like Lloyd Cushenberry in free agency or Jackson Powers-Johnson in the draft.
Either way, they need to address it because it was very, very bad.
Jaguars' offensive line was the worst based on advanced stats
1. 3rd down conversion % on RB runs
The Jacksonville Jaguars struggled in the run game, obviously, but a lot of it stemmed from their ability to not convert on third down. They were one of the worst teams in the league in that department. They converted third downs by way of running back runs 39% of the time, which is the fourth-worst percentage in the league. That is a direct effect of the offensive line.
2.% of RB runs that didn't gain yards
It's truly a miracle that the Jaguars had a 1,000-yard rusher this season. That just goes to show how good Etienne is. This offensive line was so bad that they allowed the worst percentage in the league when it came to running back runs that didn't gain yards. At 25%, they failed to gain yards 1/4 of the time they ran the ball, which is just terrible. That's a scheming issue, as well as the fact the Jaguars were allowing Etienne to get hit before he reached the line of scrimmage.
3. Trevor Lawrence was the least blitzed QB
It's crazy to think that opponents were getting a ton of pressure off on the Jaguars without blitzing. Yes, Lawrence was the least blitzed QB in the league this year at 20.4%. However, he had the third lowest time to throw at 2.51 seconds, according to Next Gen Stats. Lawrence was sacked 35 times, yet he was barely pressured off of blitz.
The Jaguars have to address the issue this offseason. If they don't, the same product will be put out on the field.
Doug Pederson reveals real reasoning behind Jaguars’ offensive line issues
The Jaguars were blown out on Sunday to the 49ers.
