It’s hard not to feel like everything is coming up Jacksonville Jaguars right now.
The Jaguars (9-4) jumped into sole possession of first place with their fourth straight win last week, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 36-19 to take over the top spot in the AFC South.
They are home again Sunday and host the New York Jets (3-10), who began the work week saddled with quarterback questions that cloud what has been an underwhelming debut season for coach Aaron Glenn.
Making his third straight start after Justin Fields was benched, Tyrod Taylor sustained a groin injury in the first quarter against the Dolphins and was unable to return. With Fields (knee) inactive, that left just rookie quarterback Brady Cook to finish the game.
Glenn didn’t have a clarity on Taylor or Fields’ status vs. Jacksonville when the Jets began practice Wednesday other than neither would be on the field and Cook would receive the first-team reps.
“There’s a plan for the quarterbacks, either way it works out during the week,” Glenn said. “We’ve got all our bases covered.”
Jacksonville is starting to feel as good about its quarterback situation as it has all season. Trevor Lawrence had a bit of a midseason lull that coincided with Jacksonville losing three out of four games to fall to 5-4, but he’s been on a tear the last few weeks.
Lawrence threw 11 interceptions in the team’s first 11 games. Since then? Interception free.
During the past two games, Lawrence has 473 passing yards and four touchdowns in wins over Tennessee and Indianapolis.
“I think he’s just starting to feel more and more comfortable within the system and with the guys that he’s playing with,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said of Lawrence.
Lawrence popped up on the injury report Wednesday as a limited practice participant with an ankle injury. Supposing he’s good to go, he’ll face a Jets defense which is still looking for its first interception of the season.
Jacksonville’s defense has rediscovered its turnover-forcing ways. After leading the league in forced turnovers early this season, the Jaguars forced five turnovers between their sixth and 11th games this season.
In the last two weeks, the defense has five takeaways.
Thrown into his first NFL action last week, Cook struggled as the Jets limped to a 34-10 loss. He completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
“A lot of learning experiences for sure on Sunday. Some good stuff, some stuff I need to clean up,” Cook said. ” … Every rep I get this week is so valuable. I’m going to take advantage of them.”
Down their top two quarterbacks and running back Breece Hall (knee) idle, the Jets might need to make magic to score points. Hall has eight of the team’s 22 offensive touchdowns in 2025 (four rushing, three receiving and a TD pass). Hall is expected to be available for the game but could be less than 100 percent healthy.
The Jets’ lone touchdown vs. Miami was a 78-yard punt return by Isaiah Williams, his second of the season, tying him for the league lead.
With a kickoff return touchdown as well from Kene Nwangwu, New York is tied for the league lead with three return touchdowns in 2025.
“The special teams unit can score in both the return games at any point. It has definitely provided a spark,” Coen said of the Jets. “One of the best special teams units in the National Football league right now.”
Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip), left tackle Walker Little (concussion) and safety Andrew Wingard (concussion) were all limited Wednesday.
Eight additional Jets missed Wednesday’s practice along with Taylor and Fields. That list included tight end Mason Taylor (neck), cornerback Azareye’h Thomas (shoulder) and linebacker Quincy Williams (hand). Cook was a full participant despite being listed for an ankle injury.
–Field Level Media
