NFL Roundtable: Will JAX sack Urban Meyer?

Each week we sit down with TwinSpires columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. Today they weigh in on Urban Meyer's job security, the red-hot Chiefs, and the battle for the AFC North.

The Jaguars are now 2-11 after being blanked by the Titans. What are the odds that Urban Meyer will be back on the sidelines next season?

Ashley: The cultural rebuild Meyer was supposed to lead has turned a forlorn franchise into an even greater embarrassment. The coach has lost the respect of players in the locker room, got into an argument with veteran receiver Marvin Jones, threw his coaching staff under the bus, and generated a ton of bad press for his off-field behavior. In spite of the negative headlines constantly surrounding the team, owner Shad Khan reportedly plans to stick with Meyer in the near future. With the way the Jaguars’ two-win season has transpired, Meyer should resign for the sake of his own reputation, even if Khan gives him another season to prove himself. However, Meyer may be too stubborn to quit, and Khan may owe the coach too much money for it to make sense to cut ties after just one season. 

James: Slim. Jacksonville has become a disorganized mess, and they need to worry about Trevor Lawrence’s development – the rookie quarterback has taken a step back as the turmoil has grown. Jacksonville must have the proper structure in place to protect their investment in Lawrence, and Urban Meyer no longer appears viable in that regard. The end should be near.

Scott: The chances of Meyer being back on the Jaguars sidelines next season appear very slim after what has been an awful first year at the helm in Jacksonville. Not only has his team failed to win games, but he has done little to help the growth of Trevor Lawrence. Add to that terrible work in public relations and you have what is all but certain to be a one-and-done situation. The all-time great college coach does not appear to be cut out at this stage of his career for the National Football League. 

The Chiefs crushed the Raiders 48-9 on Sunday. It’s taken a while, but has Kansas City’s offense finally caught up to its defense?

Ashley: It’s difficult to put too much weight in the Chiefs’ blowout victory against the Raiders, another team that has endured a ton of adversity throughout the season. Since Week 7, Patrick Mahomes’ only multiple-touchdown outings have come against Las Vegas — a team he has lost to just once in eight meetings. If this offense can light up the Chargers on Thursday Night Football, I’ll be more inclined to buy into Mahomes & Co. as they enter the final stretch before the playoffs.

James: No. Kansas City is rolling, winning six straight, but defense carried the day against Las Vegas, forcing five turnovers and four sacks. Mahomes performed well, but he wasn’t asked to do much as the Chiefs leaned on their ground game and short passes. The final stretch will prove telling for their offense – after playing five of the last six at home, Kansas City has three road games over the next four weeks.

Scott: Kansas City is on a roll, but their offense still has not caught up to their defense. Sure, they posted 40 plus points in their two contests against the Raiders over the last month, but other than that they have struggled to find the end zone regularly. Andy Reid’s team is still capable of moving the ball and scoring enough to win games, but their lack of offensive firepower is evident. Despite the lack of big plays from their passing attack, the Chiefs still have a chance to earn the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.

Baltimore could be facing an uphill struggle after losing Lamar Jackson against Cleveland. Who do you like in the AFC North?

Ashley: With injuries continuing to pile up, the Ravens have miraculously found a way to fight to the finish, even with Lamar Jackson sidelined with a sprained ankle. If the 2019 unanimous MVP can return to the lineup in time to play Cincy in Week 16, this team still has a chance to win the AFC North. If not, the momentum has swung in Cleveland’s direction. The Browns' defense came up with a crucial defensive touchdown to seal the win against Baltimore in Week 14, and already proved the better team against a young and feisty Bengals squad, which is one year removed from becoming a serious playoff contender. An injury-riddled Baker Mayfield hasn’t inspired much confidence this season, but the Browns have the talent on both sides of the ball to end up the winner of the AFC North at season’s end.

James: Because they own tiebreaker advantages, Cincinnati rates a slim edge. The AFC North is an ugly crapshoot between four marginal teams, and it would be no surprise to see them all lose at least half of their remaining games. A tie appears very possible, and while Cincinnati has no chance to make a serious impact in the postseason, they are best-situated to come out on top of the divisional scrum.

Scott: The AFC North has become a crapshoot after Baltimore’s Week 14 loss on the road. I lack a strong opinion on which franchise will come out on top in the division, but gun to my head I will roll with the Browns. Cleveland gets the struggling Raiders at home in Week 15 and closes the season at home against the Bengals in a game that could be for all the marbles. Their passing game is a mess, but their running game and defense could be good enough to get them back to the postseason.