I wouldn't discount a blowout because it's possible that they cannot cover, and that they won't get sufficient pressure on Brady to disrupt him. In that case, and it has to be a somewhat likely case, the Jags will get carved up.
I think most of it depends on the pressure they can create. Without Stroud and possibly other people up front, I have my doubts. The Pats are a very good offense versus the blitz too. I wouldn't hold my breath thinking that the Jags' defense can stop the Pats.
I am still not willing to bet on that. It's the playoffs, anything can happen, the bounce of the ball, the timing of penalties, the mood of the officials, the officials' angles of sight on specific plays down the field, turnovers, etc. Too many variables. I know when to say "no thanks" to a bet.
But if I were forced to pick a score it would have to be a double-digit win for the Pats. I think 10-14 points is reasonable.
I also like David Garrad as a human being, but I cannot buy into his game management style as a way to win a championship. To win a championship you need to take more risks than he does. I am not impressed with scrambling ability, in general, as it seems more a result of broken containment than anything else. The Pats generally don't break down like that so I just don't expect him to have much success on the ground.
The question is: What has he got in his tank to win a game with his arm when his team is 2-3 TDs behind? I just don't see it.
Between them and the Chargers I see a big drop off at QB between them and their opponents this weekend. Let's face it - QB does count. Let's also face it - Garrad is no Randall Cunningham with his legs, and Randall never won a championship despite being a pretty good pocket passer.
Anybody seeing a Jags' win Saturday either has a crystal ball or is suffering a dementia type thing.