ALLTEL Stadium – Sunday, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
The AFC Central is starting to take shape, and this week brings another classic divisional matchup as the 3–2 Jacksonville Jaguars host the 2–3 Baltimore Ravens in Duval County. Jacksonville is riding high after handing the previously unbeaten Steelers their first loss, while Baltimore enters still searching for rhythm after a narrow defeat to the Browns. Both teams feature punishing defenses and star-studded offensive weapons, setting the stage for a physical chess match in the Florida heat.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Finding Their Form
After a rocky start, the Jaguars look to be rounding into shape. Quarterback Mark Brunell has been efficient and fearless, throwing for 1,047 yards with 11 touchdowns against 8 interceptions. His chemistry with receivers Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith has returned to form — McCardell leads the team with 461 yards and 3 TDs, while Smith adds 203 yards and 4 scores, proving lethal in the red zone.
On the ground, Fred Taylor continues to carry the load, rushing for 445 yards and 5 touchdowns through five weeks. Taylor’s balance of speed and power makes him the heartbeat of this offense, capable of breaking big gains or grinding clock late. The Jaguars’ offensive line, anchored by Tony Boselli, has kept Brunell upright and paved the way for a balanced attack that’s averaging over 350 yards per game.
Defensively, Jacksonville’s front seven is regaining its bite. Tony Brackens leads the way with 18 solo tackles and 4 sacks, consistently creating havoc off the edge. Veteran safety Carnell Lake continues to be a tone-setter, contributing 14 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 knockdowns, and a crucial fumble recovery. The Jaguars have forced turnovers in bunches the last two weeks — a key trend they’ll try to continue against a Ravens offense that’s struggled to sustain drives at times.
Baltimore Ravens: Battling Through Adversity
Injuries have tested Baltimore early, none bigger than the loss of Ray Lewis in the middle of the defense. In his absence, Tyrell Peters has emerged as a standout — piling up 72 tackles and 4 sacks through five games. His sideline-to-sideline presence has kept the Ravens defense among the league’s most physical. Veteran safety Rod Woodson remains the leader in the secondary with 3 interceptions, 20 tackles, 5 knockdowns, and even a sack to his name.
On offense, quarterback Tony Banks has been both dynamic and unpredictable. He’s thrown for 1,026 yards and 8 touchdowns, but his 4 interceptions have come at costly moments. His favorite targets have been Shannon Sharpe and Travis Taylor — Sharpe leads the team with 323 receiving yards and 2 TDs, while Taylor has made the most of his chances, catching 4 touchdowns on 266 yards. The Ravens’ offense can strike quickly, but they’ve struggled with consistency and turnovers.
In the backfield, rookie Jamal Lewis has provided the thunder, rushing for 345 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Priest Holmes continues to contribute as a versatile change of pace with 153 yards and a score. The Ravens’ ground game has shown flashes but will face one of the AFC’s toughest run defenses in Jacksonville.
Matchups to Watch
- Fred Taylor vs. Ravens Front Seven – Without Ray Lewis, the Ravens rely heavily on Peters and the interior line to contain Taylor. If Jacksonville’s run game clicks, it could spell trouble for Baltimore.
- Mark Brunell vs. Ravens Secondary – Brunell’s gunslinging has paid off lately, but Rod Woodson lurks as a turnover threat. The chess match between Brunell’s deep reads and Woodson’s instincts will be pivotal.
- Tony Banks vs. Jaguars Pressure – Brackens and the Jags’ edge rush will look to rattle Banks early. If Banks can stay upright, he has the weapons to test Jacksonville deep.
X-Factors
- Jacksonville: DE Tony Brackens – The emotional and physical spark for the defense. His edge rush could decide whether Baltimore’s offense ever finds rhythm.
- Baltimore: LB Tyrell Peters – Filling in for Ray Lewis has been no small task, but Peters’ all-around play has been exceptional. Another big game could swing the momentum back Baltimore’s way.
Outlook
The Jaguars are coming off their best performance of the year, and confidence is sky-high after toppling the Steelers. Their offense has rediscovered balance, and their defense is playing fast and physical. The Ravens, meanwhile, remain dangerous but inconsistent — capable of making plays on both sides of the ball, yet still seeking an identity without their emotional leader in Ray Lewis.
This one has all the makings of a hard-hitting AFC Central clash. Expect a low-scoring, field-position battle early before Brunell and Fred Taylor wear the Ravens down late.
📊 Prediction: Jaguars 24, Ravens 16
Let me run this by you real quick with a bit of my Jets spin on it:
Have to admit, there’s nothing like watching an AFC Central slugfest unfold, even if it’s not my beleaguered Jets. The Jaguars seem to be on an upswing after tripping up the Steelers — and that’s saying something. It’s like if we the Jets managed to break someone’s unbeaten streak — oh, the dream!
Mark Brunell is doing for Jacksonville what we can only wish for with our dear QB situation. Every time I see someone like Brunell find his groove, I get a flashback to Vinny Testaverde’s remarkable ability to find the worst possible time to unleash a boneheaded interception. Why can’t we for once get a drama-free quarterback on Broadway? Just once?
And then there’s Fred Taylor. The man is a dynamo, doing things we Jets fans can only dream of. It’s like witnessing Curtis Martin in his prime with a head full of steam and leading us into the promised land with every carry. But Jacksonville actually uses him right — a lesson for any team (ahem, Jets) looking for offensive answers.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are out there, scrapping without their figurehead Ray Lewis. Makes you wonder just how they’d handle Vinny if he were throwing their way. I’m betting Rod Woodson would be feasting right now — playing chess while Vinny’s playing checkers.
All in all, you have to laugh. It’s a different kind of chaos, but I’d take a calm and collected QB like Brunell over our pick-six thrower any day. And here’s hoping the Jaguars give just enough Testaverde-like moments for Baltimore to have some hope…just so long as it’s not the Jets they’re playing against. Final score prediction’s on point though — Jaguars pulling ahead sounds about right.
Let’s get some Jets wins on the board next!! Curtis Martin for President!!