The Jaguars have completed their unprecedented two-week stint in London, securing two victories in two matches.
The mission is accomplished. Now the focus is on preventing a hangover during a crucial game against a division rival.
Indianapolis comes to town this Sunday with an identical 3-2 record, but is trailing the Jaguars in the AFC South standings by virtue of Jacksonville’s Week 1 win in Indiana’s capital. The Jaguars can continue to build on their recent success by scoring a season sweep of the Colts this weekend. They know, though, that it won’t be easy for more than just football reasons: The Jaguars are also adjusting to a five-hour difference in time zones.
“Jet lag is definitely affecting us,” stated Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson on Wednesday, according to the official transcript.
Jacksonville, a favorite in the NFL’s bid to broaden its international series, is well-versed in journeying across the Atlantic Ocean. However, as any explorer would concede, a two-week trip overseas significantly impacts a person’s body clock compared to a one-week trip.
For the second consecutive season, the Jaguars lack the advantage of a bye week to re-acclimate to their regular schedule. Last year, after returning from London, Jacksonville hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite a sluggish start that saw them fall behind by 13, they rallied in the second half and pulled off a remarkable comeback, culminating in a 27-20 victory.
This weekend, their goal will be to avoid such a slow start.
“I’m getting tired earlier in the day,” quarterback Trevor Lawrence said. “I’m waking up earlier, which isn’t a bad thing. I went to bed at like 9 o’clock last night, so it’s not the worst thing. But, yeah, I’m kind of getting adjusted still but feeling pretty good.”
Individual player opinions on international games vary. According to The Associated Press, receiver Christian Kirk admitted he’s “doing my best to get on a normal regimen,” while guard Tyler Shatley didn’t leave a glowing review.
However, this is the reality for the Jaguars. Even as they seem to be gaining ground offensively, they understand that they face another challenge this coming weekend.
The secret is not to let your travel affect your performance. Maintain the positive momentum.
“Doug certainly brought it up and made an excellent point about avoiding the hangover from London,” Kirk stated, according to The AP. “It’s significant for us. It all comes down to maintaining and extending the energy we had there.”
The Colts have their own obstacles to navigate. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is out for at least the next month due to a shoulder injury that landed him on injured reserve this week. Veteran Gardner Minshew — the Jaguars’ former starting quarterback — will take his place, setting up an opportunity for the Washington State product to exact some revenge on his prior employer.
Jacksonville needs to ensure they get ample rest to avoid any mishaps. Luckily, they have some familiarity with such a shift. They aim for three consecutive victories, hoping to accomplish this without any sluggish performance in the first half.
