Patriots – Jaguars, Who Has the Razor’s Edge? Key Matchups
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Jaguars RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New England
Jacksonville rookie RB T.J. Yeldon is emerging for the Jaguars in the running game. Last week they were balanced (33 passes, 33 runs), and the Crimson Tide alum Yeldon had 25 of those. Running back depth is thin due to injuries to Toby Gerhart and Dennard Robinson.
The Patriots run defense was gashed on Buffalo’s first drive of the game and late after the game got out of hand but improved after they made some adjustments. The big men inside Sealver Siliga, Alan Branch and Malcom Brown will have to step up again this week.
Jacksonville’s best hope for an upset win is to keep NE’s offense off the field and control the ball but running effectively. Dont’a Hightower may be a big factor in this one as he’ll try to support the running defense and blitz up the A-Gap to disrupt things.
Jaguars WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
Blake Bortles is the quarterback that Jacksonville has decided that they’ll hitch their wagon to. The big 6’5, 245 lb had arguably his best game as a pro last week and had a QB rating over 100 for the first time. He has some young talent at the receiver position with Allen Robinson, Marquise Lee and Allen Hurns. They miss Julius Thomas who is out with an injury right now.
The Patriots dialed up the pass rush last week in Buffalo and sacked Tyrod Taylor eight times. They’ll have to stay disciplined in their gaps as Bortles can extend plays with his feet. Malcolm Butler will probably see a lot of Robinson this week.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots have two very reliable, steady kickers in punter Ryan Allen and K Stephen Gostkowski. Gostkowski has made 419 consectutive extra points and needs only three more to tie the NFL record held by Matt Stover.
The Jaguars’ Jason Myers hit a clutch field goal at crunch time to beat the Dolphins last week and punter Bryan Angerer has a 45.7 yard average.
The Patriots always have one of the best STs units in the league and this season is not exception. Playing at home helps in the kicking game as well. Next up…Prediction. Who wins and by how much?
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