Amazing ace passes concussion protocol, setting him up to start for the Jaguars in the postseason

JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2023 season, Jaguars “experts” – Tony Boselli, Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – will analyze the following day’s Jaguars matchup.

Up this week:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Tony Boselli, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Former Jaguars Left Tackle and Jaguars Analyst

• The Jaguars will win if: They can run with consistency, get back to playing physical defense and get some turnovers. The Jaguars must stop beating themselves with pre-snap penalties, turnovers, missed assignments, communication, etc.  They will get a couple guys back on defense but will be leaning on a few backups in the passing game.  It’s the next-man-up philosophy, but the Jaguars’ best players need to have big games. Offensively, tight end Evan Engram must have a huge game.

• The Buccaneers will win if: Mayfield isn’t pressured and is allowed to have time to find two really good receivers. Mayfield is streaking. If he is allowed to get into a rhythm, he is really good –as was seen last week when he had the perfect passer rating. Defensively, the Buccaneers know they might be playing against a beatup Trevor Lawrence at quarterback; if they are able to stop the run, it will allow the aggressive defense of Head Coach Todd Bowles to dial up the pressure.
• As Boselli sees it: This is another tough game for the Jaguars against a team fighting to win its division.  Tampa is coming off a big win in Green Bay and is playing very well.  The Jags must run better, stop the run and win the turnover battle. It’s going to be a game that comes down to one or two big plays in the fourth quarter.

Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars

• The Jaguars will win if: They avoid avoidable errors. The Jaguars haven’t played as badly as three straight losses would suggest, but they keep making frustrating mistakes. If they take better care of the ball, if kicker Brandon McManus re-finds his field-goal stroke — which he will — the Jaguars are in good shape here. The Buccaneers are playing well, but Jacksonville has the better roster. They must harass Mayfield, who is playing exceptionally well. And the receiver combo of Evans and Godwin is outstanding. The Jaguars must control them.
• The Buccaneers will win if: They continue to play as they have after winning three consecutive games. Mayfield threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns in a very impressive win at Green Bay, and Tampa Bay is motivated while being tied for first in the NFC South. If the Buccaneers start fast, they will be even more confident and be tough to beat.
• As Frangie sees it: This is a game the Jaguars must win. Losing a fourth game in a row could mean dropping out of first place in the AFC South and it will be tough to rediscover needed momentum after that. Start fast and harass Mayfield, and the Jags could win a fourth-quarter game.

Jeff Lageman, Jaguars Analyst and Former Jaguars Defensive End

• The Jaguars will win if: They eliminate some of the mistakes that have plagued them the last three weeks. Communication must exist in all phases to get the execution this team is capable of. And whoever is playing quarterback for the Jags must play well to get their offense into gear.
• The Buccaneers will win if: Mayfield stays on a roll with his wide receivers. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are one of the better tandems in the NFL and are capable of stressing any defense.  They will surely test a Jaguars secondary that will have a few starters returning from injury.
• As Lageman sees it: This is a great matchup of teams trying to finish strong and secure division titles. Tampa is on a roll, having won their last three, and the Jaguars are trying to get back on the winning side of things having lost the last three. The Jaguars have had great success on the road this season and need a W in a bad way. Christmas is always better with wins.