What to Watch for: Jags @ Patriots

What to watch for as the Jags storm Foxborough, looking to stay in first place in the AFC South.

by
​Jordan de Lugo

Tom Brady: Brady is on pace to break Peyton Manning’s single season record for passing touchdowns and is also on track to obliterate Manning’s record for passing yards in a season. After 2 weeks, he is on pace to throw for over 6,000 yards and 56 touchdowns. While it is highly unlikely that Brady continues on this torrid pace, he remains the most dangerous player in the game. No matter how good Brady is, there is one thing that slows down even the greatest of quarterbacks, and that is a consistent pass rush. If the Jaguars can make Brady uncomfortable in the pocket, they just may be able to slow him down

Gronk and Edelman: If the Jaguars are to stand a chance against the Patriots in this one, they are going to have to find a way to slow down Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. They are both having terrific starts to the 2015 season — helping Brady move the ball with ease. Through 2 weeks they have combined for 34 catches and 6 touchdowns. This version of the Patriots offense might be the best one we have ever seen, and, quite frankly, that is a terrifying thought.

The Patriots’ offense is going to be tough to stop, but if the Jaguars can force Brady into his first interception or fumble of the season, they might have a shot in this one. The good news for the Jaguars is their defense is only giving up 16.5 points a game, and their offense has moved the ball quite well. Conversely the Patriots’ defense has been pretty terrible. They are giving up over 400 yards of offense per game. The Jaguars need to have their highest offensive output of the season and the Patriots’ defense just might give it up.

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T.J. Yeldon: Yeldon is off to a pretty solid start in his rookie season, and he has gone against two formidable defenses in Carolina and Miami. Now he get’s to go up against a defense that has given up over 6 yards per carry to starting running backs in 2015. Look for Yeldon to breakout and eclipse the 100 yard mark for the first time in his career.

Blake Bortles: The second year quarterback had the best game of his career in week 2 against the Dolphins. He threw for 273 yards, 2 touchdowns, and most importantly had zero interceptions. He may need to have an even higher statistical output to out duel Tom Brady in what should be a high scoring game. Good news for him is the Patriots defense is giving up an average of 297 yards and 2 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks this season.

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AR-15: Much like Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson needs to stay hot in this matchup, as he too had the best game of his career last week. The Patriots don't have a corner that can cover Robinson one-on-one. Look for the Jags to target him early and often this week. If they can capitalize on some big plays like they did last week, they might be able to stay close in this one. 

The Jaguars obviously have their hands full this week, but this game could be a defining moment for this young Jaguars’ team. Look for the Jaguars to stay close throughout the game and capitalize on a Tom Brady turnover when they need it most.

Bold Prediction:    Jaguars 31   Patriots 30