Jacksonville Jaguars: 8 Ways the Jaguars Can Get Past the Cincinnati Bengals

The time has come for the Jaguars to show their mettle. No time for talk and more time for action.

There really is no tomorrow for this team and a stretch run that could leave the Jaguars with only one win as they head to the bye week.

Everyone is on edge, wanting more and wanting the "REAL" Jaguars to show up.

But beating three teams from the AFC North Division will be as tough as any task the Jaguars have faced in the team's existence.

But, if the Jaguars are going to make any movement in an upward direction, it needs to be done one game at a time. I know it sounds like a cliche and it is, but this team is not in a position to look at a three-game stretch and map out a "world-beater" strategy.

This team needs to show a hunger and desire it has not shown yet. Players need to step up. The offense needs to move the ball better in the red zone.

In other words, this team must DO MORE.

Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Baltimore all present huge obstacles for Jacksonville. And once the team gets done facing this holy trinity, there are the Houston Texans, the San Diego Chargers and then the "beloved" Indianapolis Colts.

Not an easy road to say the least with a team that so desperately needs a win.

But first, they must take care of business on Sunday and let everything else happen afterward. Here's how they can do that.

8. Remain Consistent on Offense

Stick with what works.

The running game is strong. The passing game is learning. The offense is bleak. And the head coach and the offensive coordinator coordinator need to be on the same page.

Last week against New Orleans, we saw Blaine Gabbert look like an NFL quarterback...for one half.

Can Jack Del Rio and Dirk Koetter come up with a game plan to make things simple for Gabbert to move the offense forward?

Can the running game continue at the same pace and can Maurice Jones-Drew be the workhorse he has been?

7. Stop the Running Game

Cedric Benson has been a workhorse for the Bengals this season and they plan to use him just like the Jaguars are using MJD.

Last week, the Saints running game ran for 177 yards against an improved run-stopping defense.

Playing against Benson could be either a cure or more o af curse for a defense still trying to find its identity.

6. Remember Andy Dalton Is a Rookie, Too

He is the slick red-headed kid who looks promising.

Dalton also, like Gabbert, is going through growing pains.

Make Dalton remember this is a veteran's game and put pressure on him all game long.

Make him beat you with his arm and pressure him into mistakes.

5. Learn What a Tight End Is

When we saw Gabbert find Marcedes Lewis early against the Saints, it looked like this would be a great matchup against the Saints secondary.

Wrong!

The Jaguars need to use Lewis and Zack Potter more this week. Cincinnati's defense is ranked first overall in the NFL.

Put a dent in it with play action and hit the tight end over the middle.

4. Use Other Receivers Besides Mike Thomas

Sure, he is the go-to guy on the team, but where is Cecil Shorts and Jarrett Dillard? The Jaguars have to find other receivers to stretch the field.

Going to Thomas early and often will just allow the Bengals to contain the passing game.

3. Consistent Offensive Line Play

I guess the idea is for the Jaguars to start the five best offensive linemen.

Fine, but that does not promise consistency.

Find a place for Eben Britton and Guy Whimper on the line if Eugene Monroe plays this week. Open up holes early for MJD.

And most of all, keep Gabbert's jersey clean.

2. Strike Early and Often

I know it sounds like I am preaching to a choir.

Score and then go for more.

Don't sit on a lead and don't squander opportunities.

1. Don't Look Ahead

With talented teams playing the Jaguars the next few weeks, it is easy to look at other opponents.

Just focus on what is in front of them now. The rest shall play itself out and if the Jaguars win this week, who knows.

The Steelers are banged up. Baltimore looks great, but can be beaten.

Other teams may not be as good as we thought when they play the Jags.