Patriots RBs vs Jaguars Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Jacksonville
The Patriots have only rushed for an average of 68 yards in their first two games of 2015 but it has been as much about scheme as it was about performance. Rather than try to bludgeon their way against two stout rushing defenses, they opted to spread them out and put their trust in Brady.
This week we should see more of LaGarrette Blount in the running game, he was barely an afterthought in Buffalo but don’t be surprised if Bill Belichick stays with the hot hand with Dion Lewis and ride him to continue getting everything they can out of him.
The Jaguars run defense has been stout thus far, allowing Miami only 42 yards on the ground. Their front four is big and physical. This week they’ll find the going tougher but the passing game may open up some breathing room for the running backs.
Patriots WRs vs Jaguars Secondary – Razor’s Edge Patriots
As always with the Patriots as goes Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, so goes the offense. The young offensive line held up against Buffalo helped by Brady getting rid of the ball in an average time of 1.9 seconds from snap to throw.
The Jags corners are big and Brady will no doubt be aware of where Jared Odrick is at all times rushing off the left DE slot. We spoke Jaguars beat writer Ryan O’Halloran this week and he had some interesting tidbits.
“The big question for Jacksonville is do they add an extra defensive back and play a lot of nickel this week? If so, it takes their best linebacker (Dan Skuta), off the field,” he said. “I think they’ll attempt to play a lot of Cover-3 on Sunday and try to mix things up but their weakness the past few years has been covering tight ends, and Gronkowski is a tough matchup for anyone.”
One other note, former Colts FS Sergio Brown will be the starter for Jacksonville. Fans will remember Gronk “throwing him out of the club” in Indy last year. There’s no love lost there and this could bring out some fireworks.
Next up the Jacksonville offense:
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
