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Player who must step up: WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

This applies to a lot of guys (including QB Trevor Lawrence), but Shenault was supposed to be a breakout player in his second season. Instead, he isn't running routes correctly and hasn't been a consistent contributor. The Jaguars need to significantly upgrade at wide receiver, and Shenault has a month left to prove he should be part of that in 2022 and beyond -- or if he's just another guy they have to replace. Lawrence's development is at stake. -- Mike DiRocco

Urban Meyer surely believed he'd be immune from the struggles of so many other hotshot college coaches who sauntered into the NFL then promptly fell on their faces. Meyer went 83-9 during his fantastically successful seven-year run at Ohio State, but it took less than three months for Meyer to surpass that loss total in his debut season with the Jaguars. "I wish I had all the answers, and I'd give them to you," Meyer said after a blowout loss to the Rams dropped Jacksonville to 2-10. "I don't know the answers other than I know this, that you're going to keep swinging and keep working together." Is Meyer up for the challenge that's in front of him? Stay tuned.

They are officially the worst team in the league. The offense is dreadful. They need to make changes.

The bad news? They were swept by their NFC opponents for the third straight season. The good news? Jacksonville is a far more respectable 2-5 against the AFC this year.

Best-case scenario: The Jaguars need a developmental jump from rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence this month to set him on a positive trajectory as he heads into his first full NFL offseason. Lawrence has been somewhat limited in what he could do this season because of the lack of offensive talent around him. Now, with nothing else for the team to play for in 2021, it's time for Urban Meyer and his staff to focus their full attention on figuring out what Lawrence does best and maximizing those strengths. We'd like to see more run-pass option plays, anything that can help Lawrence improve on his 58 percent completion rate, and more chances for Lawrence to throw on the move, where he can be so dangerous.