:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67809389/usa_today_15177415.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t be on different paths this 2020 regular season. The Steelers are off to their best start in franchise history, 9-0, while the Jaguars have lost eight games in a row en route to a 1-8 record.
Heading into Week 11, the Steelers have thoughts of a deep playoff run on their minds, while the Jaguars are thinking about the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Nonetheless, there is a reason why they play the games, and it looks as if the Steelers won’t be facing Gardner Minshew at quarterback this Sunday. Minshew injured his throwing hand and had to have a procedure done on his hand. Although he is on his way back to the lineup, head coach Doug Marrone told media Tuesday he won’t be ready to play this Sunday vs. one of the league’s top defenses.
Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said QB Gardner Minshew (thumb) will start throwing routes on air in practice this week but "he won't be ready." So it looks like Jake Luton makes the start against the Steelers.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) November 16, 2020
What will the Steelers be facing in Jake Luton? He has two career starts, and here are his stats for those two games:
W-L: 0-2
Yards: 473
TDs: 2
INT: 2
Sacks: 5
While the statistics above might not be mind-blowing, it is worth noting Luton has had the Jaguars within a score of both games he has started. A 27-25 loss to the Houston Texans and a 24-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.
The Jaguars might be 1-8, but they aren’t laying down and dying. Some might view the Steelers as having an easier time of it in Week 11 with Luton under center, but as the saying goes...
There is a reason why they play the games.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes on the Steelers as they prepare for the Jaguars in Duval this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.