Jaguars vs. Falcons: 9 Things to Watch in Thursday Night's Game

Last week, he got his first win as an NFL head coach. This week, he tries for a winning streak.

That might be harder to achieve for Jaguars head coach Mel Tucker. His team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, looked impressive in the 41-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the win did not cure the ills of a team in desperate need of some motivation.

As if playing for roster spots next season and trying to finish the season strong—something this team is not used to doing—is not enough of a motivating factor.

The Jaguars, 4-9 this season, have relied on a steady diet of Maurice Jones-Drew, the NFL's leading rusher, and a stinging defense that continues to lose players each week.

Right now the Jaguars, as a whole, have 27 players on injured reserve, most of them coming from the defensive secondary.

Can Tucker get his team to do something they haven't done all season—win consecutive games?

Can he fire his troops to win another game on the road? Can Jones-Drew continue to be the offensive firepower this team has asked him to be? Can someone step up and become the go-to receiver Blaine Gabbert needs to improve his pass play?

Hopefully Thursday night will provide answers to those questions.

Here are a few things to look for in Thursday night's clash.

9. How Will Josh Scobee's Leg Affect the Game?

The Jaguars signed former University of Georgia star Brandon Coutu to the practice squad this week because kicker Josh Scobee has been suffering from a groin injury.

If Scobee cannot go this week, Coutu will be signed off the practice squad and will play in the state where he played college.

Scobee said he felt some tightness during warmups against Tampa Bay, but managed to kick off six times and scored on five extra points last week.

8. How Will the Secondary Hold Up?

Last week, Chris Prosinski got his first NFL start in the Jaguars secondary. This week, he was placed on injured reserve.

That is how this team has been the past few weeks. The defense is beginning to look more like a MASH unit than a cohesive group.

Will Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez torch the third line of the Jaguars?

7. Will There Be More Marcedes Lewis Sightings?

Lewis looked like his old self when he caught a 62-yard strike from Gabbert that set up a touchdown.

Can the big tight end remain an active part in the passing game?

With Mike Thomas and Cecil Shorts ailing, he needs to be the target he was with David Garrard last season.

6. Can the Middle of the Defense Stop Michael Turner?

Turner is a big back just like LaGarrette Blount was last week.

The Jags had a bit of trouble with Blount on a few plays. Does this signal the same thing against the Falcons?

Turner knows one way of running: straight forward. Defensive tackles Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu had better be ready.

5. What Will Montell Owens Do This Week?

It seems that since Owens has come back from injury, the special teams play has gotten better.

And it should.

Owens had a key hit that led to a fumble and touchdown return on special teams last week and has played inspired football for the Jags in their pursuit of field position.

4. Will Dirk Koetter Open Up the Offense More?

Koetter called a pretty good game last week. Will he be able to do the same thing this week?

Koetter let Gabbert throw more, which allowed him to get more comfortable.

Time is what Gabbert needs to be a better passer in this league. Repetition will only make him a star.

3. Is Jacksonville Playing Against Its Next Football Coach?

There has been speculation the Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey will be the front-runner for the open coaching position on Jacksonville.

Mel Tucker will have a lot to say about that.

Whether Tucker is auditioning for the Jags head job or another coaching assignment, Mularkey and the coaching rumors have made for some interesting fodder.

Mularkey was a finalist when Wayne Weaver hired Jack Del Rio to take over the team.

2. How Will Maurice Jones-Drew Be Used This Week?

Jones-Drew was the driving force in the offense last week, scoring four touchdowns.

How many touches does he get this week?

Jones-Drew caught two scores and ran for another two. He is also the league's leading rusher and now the team's all-time touchdown scorer.

If it continues to work, the Jags will use him as their iron horse into the end zone.

1. Is This the Week?

Even with a depleted passing game and injuries all over the field, does Blaine Gabbert throw for 300 yards this week?

It could happen.

Gabbert, despite the two interceptions, looked more comfortable last week in the passing offense. Maybe working with Dirk Koetter more exclusively helped.

If the Jags fall behind, would Gabbert throw more on a faster track inside a dome?

We could see the rookie's first 300-yard passing game of his career.