The Jacksonville Jaguars had a rough outing against a rising Seattle Seahawks team in their 20-12 Week 6 loss. Sure, there was probably more bad than good in the loss—they committed ten penalties for 76 yards, which is more than the 59 yards they earned on the ground. Still, there were some bright spots on a team that looks ahead to London and the Los Angeles Rams next week.
Regarding the loss, Sports Illustrated John Shipley writes, "[T]he Monday Night hangover seemed to be real, as the Jaguars looked sloppy in a mistake-filled 20-12 loss tothe Seahawks that featured missed field goals, over 70 lost yards in penalties, and more sacks in one game (seven) than the Jaguars allowed in the previous five games combined (five)."
But despite the heartbreaking loss, here are three Jaguars whose stock rose during their Week 6 showing.
No. 1: Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Before the Week 6 loss to Seattle, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. only had 16 catches for 244 yards and no touchdowns (though he did have a rushing touchdown in the Jaguars' Week 4 win against San Francisco).
This last Sunday, No. 7 brought in eight balls for 90 yards and a touchdown. It wasn't exactly a Pro Bowl performance like we were used to seeing last year, but on a day when quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sacked eight times and pressured an estimated 33 times, Thomas still had his best game of the season.
Could this be a hopeful glimpse at the passing attack we were all expecting when the Jaguars hired head coach Liam Coen? Stay tuned.
Related: Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. quickly putting slow start behind with dominant outing
No. 2: Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown
When general manager James "Ain't done trading yet" Gladstone sent cornerback Tyson Campbell to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for cornerback Greg Newsome II, it was largely due to the team's confidence in Montaric Brown.
And in his first start this season, Brown didn't disappoint, with three tackles and two pass breakups—the latter of which came on back-to-back plays, stalling a Seahawks drive and forcing a punt.
He quietly had a standout game and looks to cement himself in a powerful secondary that includes Newsome, rookie Travis Hunter, and one of the best free agent acquisitions of all time, Jourdan Lewis.
No. 3: Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead
Perhaps this should go to the entire defensive interior, since they kept the Seattle Seahawks' ground attack to a paltry 60 yards. It's just too bad the Jaguars couldn't capitalize, rushing for just 59 yards themselves. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead also registered four tackles—one for a loss—and a sack, taking his season total to 3.5. He was disruptive throughout the game and a significant factor in the mostly solid defensive performance.
Related: 2 winners (and 3 losers) from Jaguars' ugly Week 6 loss vs. Seahawks
Final thoughts
The Jaguars' season is far from over. They sit in second place in the AFC South at 4-2, somehow a game behind the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis Colts. Despite the lackluster outing, the many bright spots show that this team still has the grit and determination—not to mention talent—to respond next week in London.