Scout's Take: NFL Media and Jaguars Media analyst Bucky Brooks Examines Jaguars-Bengals, Week 2

Sep 17, 2025 at 11:58 AM

Bucky Brooks

Jaguars Analyst

JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2025 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 31-27 Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

BIG IMPRESSION

The Jaguars will regrettably look back at their performance against the Bengals after outplaying the home team but failing to register the victory. The toll of committing several "DBO" (Don't Beat Ourselves) violations was costly, with the turnovers, dropped passes, pre-snap and foolish penalties, big plays allowed and kicking game miscues tipping the game in the Bengals' favor. Although the Jaguars' effort and attitude (grit, toughness and resilience) were outstanding for 60 minutes, the team's faulty execution cost them a winnable game on the road.

KEYS TO VICTORY

The Jaguars' self-inflicted mistakes cost them dearly against the Bengals. The combination of turnovers, particularly in the red zone, led to dramatic point swings that turned a potential Jaguars' blowout into a stunning loss on the road. The turnovers were complemented with a series of mental blunders (pre-snap penalties) and "butter finger" moments (dropped passes from wide receivers Dyami Brown and Brian Thomas Jr.) that prevented the Jaguars from putting the game away when it was clearly under their control. With an explosive Bengals' offense on the other side with the best WR1/WR2 combination in football, the extra chances eventually enabled Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to make enough game-changing plays to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat.

TREVOR'S TIME

The former No.1 overall pick posted a solid stat line (completed 24 of 42 passes for 271 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions), but did not play well enough to win against a good team on the road. Lawrence's turnovers and poor execution in pivotal moments cost the Jaguars points and crucial first downs. Although the Jaguars' WR corps did not help QB1 with their drops and inconsistencies, the fifth-year pro must rise above those circumstances as a franchise quarterback. Fair or not, Lawrence is expected to take his game and this team to the next level. He did not meet the standard in Week 2 despite his 3 touchdown effort.

UNSUNG HERO

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead's return to his natural position has quietly sparked the Jaguars' defensive resurgence through two games. Against the Bengals, the 6-foot-7, 290-pounder provided the inside presence and point of attack disruption that alleviated some of the pressure on defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen to make every splash play within the pocket. With Armstead registering two tackles and a sack, the Bengals were forced to pay attention to him, resulting in more big-play opportunities from Walker and Hines-Allen, and a few "run-throughs" for Foye Oluokun on run downs.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The Jaguars' commitment to the run is reflected in the offense's performance and production. The team averaged 5-plus yards per carry, with Travis Etienne Jr. (14 carries for 71 yards) and Bhayshul Tuten (eight carries for 42 yards) leading the way. Though the positive results from the "ground-and-pound" approach were overshadowed by the miscues and gaffes of the quarterback and wide receivers in the passing game, the Jaguars have the foundation in place to build a balanced offensive attack that creates headaches for defensive coordinators around the league. Despite a loss that showcased some of the unit's warts, the coaches should be pleased with the flashes that suggest the Jaguars' offense could explode soon.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

Despite the loss, the Jaguars' defense continues to impress as a turnover-obsessed unit with a knack for producing turnovers. The "vision-and-break" coverage has been a success with the Jaguars getting their hands on plenty of balls in coverage. With the pass rush doing its part to force errant passes from the pocket, the Jaguars' ball-hawking defenders came up with three interceptions and put the team in a position to win the game. Though the defensive backs must win more "one-on-one" matchups when the team opts out of its zone coverage, the defense's overall performance is trending in the right direction.