The Jaguars play so far in 2010 gave new meaning to the phrase "Trick or Treat." After back to back blowout losses, fans were beginning to wonder if they had been tricked by the team's win over the Colts. Instead, the team dressed up as a consistent, well performing team for Halloween and gave their fans one of the sweetest treats of the season.
To start the game, it looked like the Jaguars were in for another long Sunday afternoon. Just like every other opposing QB, Jon Kitna light up the Jaguars secondary to open up the game. However, the defense held Dallas to just and field goal and the Jaguars never looked back.
On offense, the Jaguars had easily their best day since upsetting the Colts in Week 4. David Garrard played as if he dressed up as Peyton Manning for Halloween. Garrard started the game 12 for 12 and finished just as strong. Garrard had a career high four touchdown passes and a franchise record 157.8 QB rating. David also delivered the kill shot, scampering in for a touchdown run to put the Jaguars ahead 35-10.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Mike Sims-Walker, Marcedes Lewis, and Mike Thomas all came up huge for the team. Jones-Drew and Sims-Walker in particular were the catalysts for the offense today. Both gave the kind of performances that Jaguar fans had been wanting to see all season.
The Jaguars defensive MVP was the hands of the Cowboy's receivers. Of the Jaguars 4 interceptions, 3 were off of passes that should've been completed but were bounced into the air by the Dallas receivers.
Kitna still managed to throw for over 300 yards, and the Jaguars aren't going to get lucky turnovers every week. Not trying to be a negative nancy, but don't think the Jaguars secondary issues are fixed. However, the play of Derek Cox was very impressive today. Cox was the first Jaguars since Rashean Mathis in 2006 to have two interceptions in a game. In addition, he looked consistently in position and was solid tackling.
The one knock on such a bright day was the injury to defensive back Don Carey. Carey laid motionless for a few moments following a big hit on Dallas TE Jason Witten. However, Carey managed to walk off under his own power before being taken to the locker room. Depending on the extend of Carey's injury, expect Gerald Alexander's 2nd comeback tour in the secondary.
Overall, the Jaguars have salvaged their season. They might be the worst 4-4 team in NFL history, but it's better than being the best 1-6 team. After a bye week, the Texans come to town. Whenever the Jags play the Texans, those games seemingly end up becoming swing points in the season, and this year won't be any different.