Week Three Game Preview: New England Patriots vs Jacksonville Jaguars
By Hal Bent
JAGUARS MATCHUPS VS NE DEFENSE
Sep 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a reception as New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) pursues on the play during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots have struggled to stop the run–although the front six (they have been in the sub package most of the season) has been focused on stopping the passing game–and Jacksonville will be looking to run the ball. T.J. Yeldon rushed for just 70 yards on 25 carries last week, but he ran hard against a strong Miami defensive front.
The Patriots may work to take away the running game this week after concentrating on the passing game against the Steelers and Bills. Jacksonville is not going to try and match the Patriots in a shoot-out. Unlike the Bills, the Jaguars are going to try and keep Tom Brady on the sidelines.
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Sealver Siliga against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Expect the Patriots to again feature run-stuffing defensive tackles Sealver Siliga and Alan Branch in the middle of the defense to keep Yeldon from gashing the middle of the line. However, defensive ends Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich are going to need to contain the edge. In both games so far in 2015 teams have been able to get to the edge and make big gains in the running game against New England.
This may be a game where Jerod Mayo gets extended playing time at linebacker as the Patriots make their priority stopping the running game on first and second down. Getting the Jaguars in third-and-long situations allow the Patriots to use their suddenly potent defensive line to rush Bortles. Coming off an 8 sack performance last week, the Patriots’ pass rush should be able to tee off if they get a lead.
To get the pass rush in gear the Patriots need to get Jacksonville in passing downs by stopping them on early downs. Not just stopping the running game, but containing the passing attack as well. Cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Tarell Brown will have their work cut out for them against the taller Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.
The Jaguars will be aware that the Patriots have not stopped anyone on the ground yet and that Bradley Fletcher has been beat deep numerous times already. Expect Bortles to take a couple of shots deep isolating Fletcher or Logan Ryan in coverage and try to get some cheap yards early on. Working Yeldon to get yards should make Bortles’€™ job easier.