Buccaneers vs. Jaguars: 8 Things We Learned from Jacksonville's 41-14 Win

I would sure like to know what happened between Monday night and Sunday afternoon that allowed this team called the Jacksonville Jaguars to show they could score from all facets of the team.

Whatever the reasons for the scoring outburst, the Jaguars looked like an NFL team. When your team can score on offense, defense and special teams, you stand a pretty good chance of bringing home a victory.

That's exactly what Jacksonville did. Despite two interceptions, we saw the gradual progression of Blaine Gabbert and the unraveling of the Buccaneers on offense and special teams.

The 41-14 win over Tampa Bay answered some questions and left obvious ones still to debate. Whatever side of the fence you may sit, you cannot argue it was the best performance for a team that has struggled with injuries, inconsistency and lack of performance all year.

Finally, everything all came together.

Now, the team can use the win as motivation for a short week before they play Atlanta on Thursday night. It will be the Jaguars' third game in 10 days.

Here's what we learned from Sunday's game.

4 Touchdowns

Maurice Jones-Drew is a scoring machine.

The mighty runner scored four touchdowns on the day on running plays and pass receptions.

Jones-Drew, who came into the game as the NFL's leading rusher, has 10 scores on the season.

41 Points

For a team that averaged just under 13 points per contest, this was a welcomed treat.

Jacksonville trailed 14-0 and then scored 41 points through the air, on the ground and with special teams.

It was the most impressive performance of the season for a team that had not scored more than 20 points all season.

62 Yards

There was a Marcedes Lewis sighting today as the big tight end got into the passing game early.

Lewis had a 62-yard reception from Blaine Gabbert in the first half, which helped the Jaguars score and tie the ball game at 14-14 in the second quarter.

While he did not catch many passes in the game, seeing Lewis catch and run for a long gain was refreshing.

Gabbert Looks More Like a Professional

He threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Blaine Gabbert looked more in control of the offense and never looked hurried.

Even with his two interceptions, Gabbert came right back and showed pocket presence.

The Jaguars need him to play like that over the last three games and show more consistency.

7 Turnovers

The team recovered seven Tampa Bay turnovers in the game—two which led to touchdowns.

Special teams really had a great day, and the defense had pressure of Josh Freeman all game long.

The defense led by Paul Posluszny and Jeremy Mincey played a great game while being undermanned.

Mel Tucker Wins His First Game

He called a great defensive game.

He also won his first game of the season.

While there were still some issues, high passes, holding calls, etc., there was more continuity.

Tucker looked like he called a great game.

Dirk Koetter Got It Right

Koetter has been in the dog house most of the season with Jack Del Rio.

Today, he made a statement.

Koetter got Gabbert to relax and open up his passing game.

Can this be a better passing team down the stretch?

That remains to be seen.

Atlanta Looms on Thursday

A short week and a team that lost came back to beat the upstart Panthers.

The Falcons are also riding momentum.

There are many subplots to this game.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith used to be the defensive coordinator for the Jaguars.

Mike Mularkey, the Falcons offensive coordinator, may be the leading candidate to be the Jaguars new head coach.

Lots to talk about and lots to analyze before Jacksonville's third game in 10 days.