Image Credit – PFF
The Chiefs and Jaguars have also faced off 14 times in NFL history, with the first matchup coming in 1997. The Chiefs have won their last 7 matchups against the Jaguars (Including playoffs), and are 8-6 against them all-time. Let’s look back at the history between these two teams, as this will be a weekly series this season.
Chiefs 42-20 Jaguars – Arrowhead Stadium – 10-24-2010
Image Credit – New York Times
Many people associate the seasons right before Andy Reid came to the Chiefs with misery, but there was a bright spot in 2010 with an AFC West title and a home playoff game. The core of this 2010 team was the running game and defense, and they showed out in this game. Thomas Jones rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown, and Jamaal Charles rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown. This duo combined for 2,363 rushing yards in 2010. Dwayne Bowe had a career year this season as well, as he added 5 catches for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Jags. On the defensive side of the ball, Eric Berry and Derrick Johnson each had interceptions, and there were a combined 5 pass breakups between those two players. This was an all-around dominant performance by KC.
Chiefs 28-2 Jaguars – EverBank Field – 9-8-2013
Image Credit – Sports Talk Florida
The start of the Andy Reid era with the Chiefs came in a road win in Jacksonville against current Chiefs backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Bub Sutton’s new and improved defense was utterly dominant. Brandon Flowers and Tamba Hali each had interceptions, with Tamba returning his for a touchdown. Justin Houston had 3 sacks, and Eric Berry, Tyson Jackson, and Dontari Poe combined for 3 more. The unit also held star running back Maurice Jones-Drew to 3 yards per carry. On offense, Alex Smith passed for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns, Jamaal Charles had 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, and fullback Anthony Sherman was the Chiefs leading receiver on the day with 4 catches for 44 yards.
Chiefs 40-26 Jaguars – TIAA Bank Stadium – 9-8-2019
Image Credit – NBC Sports
Exactly 6 years to the date after Andy Reid’s debut in Kansas City, the Chiefs went down to Jacksonville for another week 1 contest. We could dub this the “Sammy Watkins game” as this was by far his best game as a Chief. Watkins finished with 9 catches for 198 yards and 3 touchdowns, as he could not be contained even by pro bowl level corners Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Patrick Mahomes was flawless with 378 yards and 3 touchdowns. This game was supposed to begin the Nick Foles era in Duval County, but after an early injury, Minshew Mania was born (kind of) as he pitched in a respectable performance with 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
As I mentioned earlier, the Chiefs are on a 7-game win streak vs. the Jags and have not lost to them since 2009. This current-age Jags team is no slouch, as they were a divisional playoff team last year, and arguably got better, adding the likes of star wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Tank Bigsby on offense. The Chiefs’ defense will need to get pressure so Lawrence won’t have all day to throw to his star receivers, which they likely will as Chris Jones being back will help free up 1 on 1 matchups for our young edge rushers.
On the offensive side for KC, hoping Travis Kelce will be back for this matchup, but either way, the Chiefs receivers need to step up and be able to beat man coverage so Kelce has room to operate if he is back healthy. It would be great to see a heavier dose of Isiah Pacheco this week, as he has had success against Jacksonville so far in the 2 matchups in his career. Hopefully, with a mini bye to correct mistakes and fully gameplan, the Chiefs offense will come out looking sharp again.
