2023 NFL Power Rankings: Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest issue on offense: Third-down production

It's hard to pick one area because so much has gone wrong offensively the last two weeks, but the Jaguars are 29th in the NFL in third-down conversion rate. They're at 29.7%, which is actually an improvement from where it was after two weeks because they went 5-for-13 against the Texans on Sunday. This was a strength last season (42%, ranked ninth) and nine of 11 starters are back, plus they added WR Calvin Ridley. -- Michael DiRocco

Things went off the rails a bit in Sunday's 20-point home loss to the Texans. It would be foolish to overlook the biggest issues that have plagued the team to this point: third-down offense and pass defense. Third downs have been miserable for Jacksonville, which is converting just 29.7 percent of its attempts through three games. The Jaguars were only five-for-13 against Houston, with three of those conversions coming when they were down three scores, but that mark actually raised their third-down average. With all the weapons they have, that sort of performance is inexcusable. And on defense, Jacksonville can't seem to stop people unless the pass rush is heated up. That's understandable, given the fact that the unit is built around Josh Allen and Travon Walker, but the Jags' ability to apply pressure has cooled dramatically the past two games.

What was that against the Texans? Or were they simply overrated by many -- including me? They sure don't look like a playoff team.

If you stink in America — looking at you, Calvin Ridley — may as well take a two-week European vacation to try and sort things out.

QB confidence rating: A shaky 7

Is Urban Meyer coaching the Jaguars again? Trevor Lawrence was a legitimate MVP candidate entering the season, but he is 26th in EPA per dropback (minus-.20) and 24th in off-target percentage (12.4 percent). Lawrence has three touchdowns and two interceptions, and Jacksonville is 24th in the NFL in points per drive (1.54).

The idea of the Jaguars is a hell of a lot better than the reality to this point. There's a lot of talent on this offense, but you wouldn't know it from three straight weeks of forgettable football. And allowing a kickoff return touchdown to an H-back is just beyond the pale.

The air is completely out of the Jaguars' balloon. There was a lot of hype for them this offseason, but a bad loss Sunday at home to Houston exposed them as a team with a lot of work to do. It's early and the Jaguars could still have a fantastic season, but they're not going to be as good as some (myself included) had been projecting.

This isn't the kind of start that will get taxpayers willing to fork over a billion dollar for stadium renovations.

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