Jaguars vs. Steelers: Week 5 sack analysis

The Jacksonville Jaguars were missing their leader on the offensive line against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The day before the game, Brandon Linder was ruled out with an illness. Tyler Shatley would start in his place at the last minute.

And somehow the offensive line turned in another tremendous performance.

Blake Bortles was sacked just twice and hit five times. On 14 pass attempts, that’s a high sack rate, but for the season they’ve still only allowed five sacks in five games and have the most rushing yards per game.

Who was at fault for both of the Steelers sacks on Sunday? Let’s get to it!

Sack #1: 1st and 10 at PIT 42, 3:26 left in 2Q

Leonard Fournette’s job is to run the ball, but when he’s called to chip a defender (or at the very least give his quarterback an extra few seconds) he’s got to be able to do it. Fournette has few weaknesses, but pass protection is certainly one of them. Is he supposed to hold blitzing defenders for as long the offensive line? No. Is he being counted on for a little bit more in the way of slowing down linebacker No. 98 Vince Williams? Absolutely.

Fault: Leonard Fournette

Sack #2: 3rd and 7 at JAX 28, 8:05 left in 3Q

There’s a lot happening here. The left guard No. 77 Patrick Omameh gets pulled inside to help with a block and can’t get back to a stunting No. 91 Stephon Tuitt who is the first to apply pressure. The left tackle No. 74 Cam Robinson is left watching No. 90 T.J. Watt as he makes the sack. Blake Bortles has less than three seconds before he’s forced to try and make a run for it. I won’t give Robinson any credit for the sack (even though it’s his man who technically gets it) because the only reason Bortles was flushed out was because of Omameh giving up the pressure. If not for that, Parnell has Watt around the edge.

Fault: Patrick Omameh

Up next: Los Angeles Rams!