JACKSONVILLE, Fla.: Doug Marrone delivered a locker room speech like none of his others following Jacksonvilles 12th consecutive loss. The Jaguars coach stepped in front of his team and singled out one player in a dismal season that gets worse every week.
Marrone gave a glowing shout out to James Robinson, who became the fourth undrafted rookie in NFL history to top 1,000 yards rushing and the fastest to accomplish the feat (13 games). Robinson reached the milestone with a 47-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter of a 31-10 home loss to Tennessee on Sunday. It came on his last carry of the day.
Im sure some people may mock me for it, but I just thought it was the right thing to do, Marrone said. And I dont think youre ever wrong when you do the right thing.
The always-humble Robinson now has 1,035 yards on the ground, joining Indianapolis Dominic Rhodes (1,104 in 2001), Tampa Bays LeGarrette Blount (1,007 in 2010) and Denvers Phillip Lindsay (1,037 in 2018) as undrafted rookies to reach the millennium mark.
He needs 189 yards rushing in the final three games to break the franchise’s rookie record (1,223) set by Fred Taylor in 1998. Not bad company for the former Illinois State standout who wasnt among the 19 backs chosen in the 2020 NFL draft.
I dont ever really talk about individual accomplishments after the game, but I did because we dont really have a lot going for us except we have three more opportunities, Marrone said. But its something that could be celebrated by all of us. Heres a guy that represents so much of whats good about competition, about playing, about humility, about keeping things in perspective.
Hes been a great example. Even though hes a rookie free agent, hes been a great example for everybody. So I said that to the team after the game and they clapped for him when theres not a lot to clap about really.
Robinson ranks third in the NFL in rushing, trailing Tennessees Derrick Henry (1,532) and Minnesotas Dalvin Cook (1,352). He’s been the biggest bright spot on one of the leagues worst teams.
Robinson enjoyed the moment in the spotlight, even though it really started on the sideline after his longest run of the season.
It wasnt awkward at all, Robinson said. I am grateful that he did that. Before the game was even over, all the guys were coming up to me and saying congratulations.
He also welcomed being an example for current and future undrafted players.
You dont get drafted, it sucks, but once you get on a team, its still kind of the same feeling other than not having your name called on TV, Robinson said. But, yeah, just keep going out there and grinding and wait for your opportunity.
WHATS WORKING
Gardner Minshew looks like Jacksonvilles best option at quarterback. Minshew replaced Mike Glennon in the third quarter against Tennessee and immediately led the Jaguars to their lone touchdown of the day. He drove them into the red zone two more times against a prevent defense, but both ended with incomplete passes on fourth down.
Marrone declined to select a starter after the game. But since Glennon has four turnovers and a safety in his last six quarters, no one would be surprised to see Marrone stick with Minshew at Baltimore on Sunday.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Jacksonvilles defense gave up more than 420 yards for the third straight week, including a season-high 249 on the ground. Henry gouged the Jags for 215 yards rushing and two touchdowns. A.J. Brown caught seven passes for 112 yards and a one-handed touchdown that set the tone early.
STOCK UP
Pass rusher Dawuane Smoot has been the teams most consistent defender in recent weeks. He forced a fumble against Tennessee and had a combined three sacks in the previous two games. The late-season surge could bode well for the pending free agent.
STOCK DOWN
Jaguars receiver DJ Chark had two catches for 16 yards, his fourth consecutive game without 60 yards or a touchdown. He also was flagged for illegal formation, negating Robinsons 18-yard TD run in the third quarter.
INJURED
The Jaguars hope to get center Brandon Linder back after he missed his fourth game of the season and first because of an ankle injury. He also missed time with knee and back issues.
KEY NUMBER
69 Number of sacks Calais Campbell (2017-19) and Yannick Ngakoue (2016-19) combined for with Jacksonville. The Ravens duo will face their former team for the first time Sunday.
NEXT STEPS
Jacksonville can tie the franchise record for consecutive losses in Baltimore. The initial mark was set by losing the final five games in 2012 and the first eight in 2013.
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