What To Watch For : Dolphins @ Jags

The Jaguars face intrastate rival, Miami, in their Week 2 Matchup. Can they pull to 1-1 on the season, or will they fall to 0-2.

By 
Jordan de Lugo 
& Scott Klein

          The Jaguars only ran the ball 19 times in Week 1. They need to get rookie running back, T.J. Yeldon, and the rest of the running backs more involved. Despite only getting 12 carries in a close game against the Panthers, Yeldon was still able to rush for over 50 yards and average over 4 yards a carry. Look for the Jags to get him and the rest of the running backs more involved against a Dolphins’ defense that gave up 161 yards (3rd worst in the NFL) on the ground in their Week 1 matchup with the Redskins. Yeldon showed that he has all the tools to be an effective runner in this league and the Jags need to capitalize on his skill set if they hope to have a chance against the Dolphins. 

On this play Yeldon displays his speed, vision, and power:

         Can Jason Myers get on track? In his first outing he went 1/2 and missed an extra point. For the Jaguars to win close games they will need to be able rely on Myers, who to this point hasn’t performed anywhere close to the level that Jaguars fans have become accustomed to throughout the years. In addition to the Jaguars needing him on the field, the fans are relying on him to make 40+ yard field goals, so they can get free subs from Fire House. The pressure is on — will Myers fold, or will he rise to the occasion?!?

          The Jaguars’ defense played well last week, despite giving up several chunk plays. They only allowed 13 points and got consistent pressure on Cam Newton, despite only registering two sacks. They need to keep the pressure on this week against Ryan Tannehill, in order to keep him from finding his favorite receivers, Jarvis Landry and Jordan Cameron. If Jaguars’ defensive end, Chris Clemons, can consistently get pressure like he did on this play: 

from last weeks matchup with the Panthers, then the Jaguars will be in good shape defensively.

          Keep an eye on injuries. The Jaguars will be without Julius Thomas, and Sen’Derrick Marks, two of the best players on the their roster. But, they are expected to be getting speedy receiver, Marqise Lee, back in the lineup after missing significant time with a hamstring injury. Several other key players are expected to miss the game for the Jaguars; Toby Gerhart, Andre Branch, and Johnathan Cyprien are listed as doubtful, while Luke Joeckel and Thurtson Armbrister are listed as questionable. For the Dolphins, two of their best defensive players, Cameron Wake and Rashad Jones are listed as questionable, and their best tight end, Dion Sims, is out for this matchup. These injuries could have a huge impact on this weeks matchup.

View image | gettyimages.com

          Kick off is at 4:05 at Everbank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Fans from both sides will be ready for this intrastate rivalry game. The Dolphins are a tough match up, but if the Jaguars don't beat themselves like they did last week, then they will have a good chance of winning this week, to bring their win percentage to .500 on the season.