Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Complete Week 9 Preview for Jaguars

In Week 9, the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-7) will travel to Cincinnati to face off against the Bengals (4-2-1) at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals will prove to be big challenge for the Jaguars, as they field an explosive offense and a tough defense.

The biggest challenge for the Jaguars will be the Bengals’ running game. The Bengals are averaging 111.4 rushing yards per game and have strong talent at the position. The combination of Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill promises to give the Jaguars fits, as both are quality backs that are dangerous receivers.

The Jaguars have struggled all year against quality running backs and are allowing 115 rushing yards per game. If the Jaguars expect to get a victory against the Bengals, they’ll have to try and contain their backs.

Let's hope they’re up for the task.

Week 8 Recap

Marc Serota/Associated Press

In Week 8, the Jaguars suffered their seventh loss of the season at the hands of the Miami Dolphins (4-3) 27-13.

Despite a valiant defensive performance through three quarters (exhaustion appeared to set in once the fourth quarter came around), the Jaguars were unable to overcome two Blake Bortles interceptions that were returned for touchdowns.

Despite the loss, the Jaguars were led by strong performances from running back Denard Robinson and wide receiver Allen Robinson. Denard Robinson finished the game with 108 yards on 18 carries, and he now has back-to-back 100-yard games in as many starts. Rookie receiver Allen Robinson continued to prove he belongs in the NFL with five receptions, 82 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately, this all sounds too familiar for Jaguars fans. Every week, it seems like the team is unable to get out of its own way despite strong performances from its young players.

Hopefully, the team can gain some consistency in the final half of the season.

News and Notes

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Alan Ball Placed on Injured Reserve

ESPN’s Michael DiRocco is reporting that Jaguars cornerback Alan Ball has been placed on injured reserve with a biceps injury.

This is a big blow for the Jaguars, as Ball was one of the top corners in a struggling secondary. It’ll be worth watching to see how Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray perform throughout the rest of the season­. Both are young, aggressive corners with excellent upside.

Luke Joeckel Could Play Sunday 

The Associated Press is reporting via USA Today that second-year left tackle Luke Joeckel could be cleared to play in Week 9 after being cleared through concussion protocol.

Joeckel would be a big lift to an offensive line that is already struggling. While it hasn’t been a strong year for Joeckel, he’s young with immense potential. Having him on the field gives Bortles a substantially better shot at staying upright.

A.J. Green Returns to Practice

CBS Sports is reporting that A.J. Green returned to practice on Thursday and has a shot to play in Week 9. 

Green has been battling a toe injury, but he is easily one of the top three most dynamic receivers in the game today. If he’s on the field Sunday, he will give the Jaguars secondary fits.

Injury Report

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

Player	Position	Injury	Status
Blackmon, Will	CB	Finger	DNP
Branch, Andre	DE	Groin	DNP
Colvin, Aaron	CB	Knee	Limited
Gratz, Dwayne	CB	Groin	Limited
Joeckel, Luke	OT	Concussion	Limited
Watson, Dekoda	LB	Hamstring	Limited

*All injury updates courtesy Jaguars.com Injury Report.

Matchups to Watch

Gary McCullough/Associated Press

Luke Bowanko vs. Domata Peko

Rookie center Luke Bowanko has been solid this season, but he faces a big challenge this week against Domata Peko. Peko is a monster nose tackle (6’3”, 322 lbs) that plays with a mean streak. While he doesn’t get many sacks, he’s a disruptive force that occupies multiple linemen and helps his teammates get to the quarterback. This will be a key matchup for the Jaguars offense.

Allen Robinson vs. Leon Hall and Terence Newman

Allen Robinson has been as dynamic as you could hope a rookie receiver would be. Through eight games, he has 39 receptions, 453 yards and two touchdowns. What impresses me most about Robinson is the way he controls his body through jump balls. On Sunday, he’ll match up against two savvy veterans in Leon Hall and Terence Newman. It will be interesting to see how Robinson stacks up against real quality competition.

Sen’Derrick Marks vs. Andy Dalton

Sen’Derrick Marks has been a big reason why the Jaguars are among the league leaders in sacks. He’s as explosive as a defensive tackle can get, and he uses his speed and technique to consistently beat offensive linemen.

On the other side, Andy Dalton is a capable quarterback, but I don’t think anyone would mistake him for elite. Like everyone else, Dalton struggles against pressure. If Marks can consistently get in Dalton’s face, the Jaguars might have a chance to win this matchup.

Prediction

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

I truly hate to be the eternal pessimist here, but I’m just not convinced that these Jaguars can muster a win against a quality opponent like the Bengals.

The truth is that there is little evidence to suggest that the Jaguars can put together a complete performance—or that they’ll get out of their own way. Until the team can limit its mistakes and stop beating itself, I’ll keep from allowing any optimism to seep through.

Prediction: Bengals 35, Jaguars 14

*All stats courtesy NFL.com.