The Jaguars will face the Cincinnati Bengals in week 2 of the NFL season. The team saw massive changes in the roster, coaching staff, and front office in the 2025 offseason, which led to uncertain expectations on how they would perform. After finally seeing everyone in action in week 1, we were able to get some answers.
The biggest question of the game will be how the Jaguars' defense handles Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Travis Hunter was limited in his defensive snaps in week 1, playing just 3 in total, but head coach Liam Coen stated there was going to be an "uptick" in Hunter's involvement on the defensive side. Even for a few snaps, guarding arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in just his 2nd game will tell us a lot about Travis Hunter.
Shortly after week 1, the Jaguars traded running back Tank Bigsby. 2025 draft picks Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen have now become extremely important in this offense. Travis Etienne will still be the starting running back, but it will be interesting to see how the carries are split and what down and distance situations each back gets them.
Brian Thomas had his most unproductive game as a pro in week 1, recording just 1 reception for 11 yards. Multiple other players in the offense were able to produce as a result of this, but every game is different. Will the focus be to get him the ball early, or will the offense continue to take what works? If Thomas continues to not get the ball, how will he react? Receivers have never been shy about getting the ball, and it is something to monitor in week 2.
The Jaguars were able to move the ball consistently against the Panthers, scoring 26 points and racking up 378 yards of total offense. However, they could have done even better if not for costly penalties. The team racked up 11 penalties for 93 yards, with multiple calls stalling drives. Considering it was Liam Coen's first game as a head coach, some grace will be given, but facing a team with as much firepower as the Bengals will not grant the same chances the Panthers did. If the Jaguars are to win Sunday, they have to limit the penalties, especially in the red zone.
Week two will give fans plenty to keep an eye on. How Travis Hunter is utilized, the defensive gameplan, the new running back rotation, Brian Thomas's involvement, and costly penalties will all be massive factors in the Jaguars' performance on Sunday. How the team responds in these areas will say a lot about where they stack up against the rest of the league.