What to Watch For: Falcons @ Jaguars

What to watch for as the Jaguars play their last home game of the 2015 regular season against the Atlanta Falcons!

By Jordan de Lugo

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The Jaguars will play their second straight home game this week, as they take on the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are a team that started off the season as world beaters, winning their first five games, but since then have gone just 1-6. While The Falcons are in the middle of a major collapse, they still present a tough test for a Jaguars’ team that is scratching and clawing to stay in the AFC South Division Race. This will be the last home game of the regular season for the Jaguars and a game that they simply must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Jaguars’ passing offense is soaring to heights that have never been reached in Jacksonville. Blake Bortles has blown away the Jaguars’ single season touchdown record while Allen Robinson has set a new mark for single season touchdown receptions. This dynamic duo has been the bane of opposing cornerbacks’ existence this year and will be looking to add to their already impressive season numbers against a Falcons’ defense that gave up 3 touchdowns through the air just a week ago. While Bortles and Robinson are the two headliners for the Jaguars’ offense, the rest of the Jaguars’ young offensive core cannot be overlooked. Allen Hurns has also had an incredible sophomore season as he is in the top 10 in receiving touchdowns. Not to be forgotten, Julius Thomas, started the season off slow due to injury and a lack of chemistry with Bortles, but now has 5 receiving touchdowns, scoring in each of the last 4 games. While the passing offense has gotten most of the attention this year, and deservedly so, the rushing offense has shown promise as well. Rookie, T.J. Yeldon, will most likely not suit up for the Jaguars this week, but the rushing attack will be in good hands with Denard Robinson, who rushed for over 70 yards and a touchdown last week. Whoever suits up for the Jaguars at running back will face a Falcons’ rush defense that has been below average this season, giving up over 4 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns on the ground. The Jaguars should be in for a big scoring day, and they might just need a ton of points as they face an offense loaded with talent. 

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The Falcons’ offense hasn't shown much life lately, but they still present a major threat. Matt Ryan is an above average quarterback who has one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL, Julio Jones. Couple that dynamic duo with the ultra shifty Davonta Freeman and they have the talent to put up points on anyone. While the Falcons have struggled as a whole lately, going just 1-6 in their past 7 games, they will present a challenge to a Jaguars’ defense that has struggled mightily in several games this year. 

It appears that the Jaguars man in the middle, Paul Posluszny, will be returning to the lineup this week. Even though backup linebacker, Jordan Tripp, played very well last week, “The Poz” will be a welcome return as he helps this team immensely in run defense. 
This is a game the Jaguars should win — a game they need to win. If this team really has turned the corner after a 51-16 thrashing of the Colts, then they will show it against a Falcons team that might be playing the worst football in the NFL right now.
 
Bold Prediction: The Jaguars secondary, featuring Davon House, will hold up against Julio Jones and Co., while the linebackers will tee off on Davonta Freeman. The Jaguars play their most complete game  of the season. The offense moves the ball consistently and finds ways to score in the red zone, aka Allen Robinson and Julius Thomas.

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